ME AND OPHELIA
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
SEEING THE LIGHT
Flies, bumble bees and a broken washing line
Today, at the Passion of the Present and Sudan Watch blogs, I have posted the following reports:
(1) Irish Prime Minister urged to press for UN intervention in Sudan - Khartoum had done "absolutely nothing" to meet UN demands. Plus:
(2) The UN's quiet diplomacy not working on Sudan - not one Janjaweed camp has been closed.
Can't do any more today - or post pictures - or reply to emails - it's been another heavy day today. Four unexpected visitors throughout the day, including decorator to rip out a windbreaker and paint something that was behind it - and bang windbreaker back in again - too long to explain here. But I had an earache and toothache and sore throat and couldn't use ear plugs.
Love getting emails but sorry I am unable to reply right now. Monalisa, your poem for Sudan was a wonderful surprise - thank you - still puzzling over meaning of Portugese word desamans - I'll email you as soon as I can. And Doug: thanks for the great pictures - heh - my Ophelia gives her tummy an airing like that too - it must be what cats do to keep so fragrant.
Here is a post I wrote a week or so ago that got buried amongst a pile of Sudan stuff in my drafts folder: it's called "SEEING THE LIGHT - Flies, bumble bees and a broken washing line", and I have posted it today, to my health blog, A Breath of Hope.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Fact of the day for August 31, 2004:
1997 Diana, Princess of Wales, 36, and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, died in a high-speed car crash in Paris, trying to evade chasing paparazzi.
Flies, bumble bees and a broken washing line
Today, at the Passion of the Present and Sudan Watch blogs, I have posted the following reports:
(1) Irish Prime Minister urged to press for UN intervention in Sudan - Khartoum had done "absolutely nothing" to meet UN demands. Plus:
(2) The UN's quiet diplomacy not working on Sudan - not one Janjaweed camp has been closed.
Can't do any more today - or post pictures - or reply to emails - it's been another heavy day today. Four unexpected visitors throughout the day, including decorator to rip out a windbreaker and paint something that was behind it - and bang windbreaker back in again - too long to explain here. But I had an earache and toothache and sore throat and couldn't use ear plugs.
Love getting emails but sorry I am unable to reply right now. Monalisa, your poem for Sudan was a wonderful surprise - thank you - still puzzling over meaning of Portugese word desamans - I'll email you as soon as I can. And Doug: thanks for the great pictures - heh - my Ophelia gives her tummy an airing like that too - it must be what cats do to keep so fragrant.
Here is a post I wrote a week or so ago that got buried amongst a pile of Sudan stuff in my drafts folder: it's called "SEEING THE LIGHT - Flies, bumble bees and a broken washing line", and I have posted it today, to my health blog, A Breath of Hope.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Fact of the day for August 31, 2004:
1997 Diana, Princess of Wales, 36, and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, died in a high-speed car crash in Paris, trying to evade chasing paparazzi.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/31/2004
Monday, August 30, 2004
- - -
A JOKE THAT DOUG DEDICATED TO HIS BOSS -
And goofy stuff that even President Bush would smile at
For the past hour, I've been chuckling over several posts of Doug's. The first post I'd read of his, a few months back, was an incredible vent-rant - straight from the heart - about the state of the world. It was so passionate, I linked to it but I think he deleted it.
Doug's neat blog seems to be evolving into a humorous one, loaded with strong messages that make you smile. He lives in England, and is English, but seems to have a thing about posting goofy stuff that even President Bush would smile at.
Here's a copy of a post that Doug dedicated to his boss :)
Two strangers were seated next to each other on the plane ….. when the guy turned to the beautiful blonde and made his move by saying,
"Let’s talk. I’ve heard that flights will go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”
The blond, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly, and said to the guy, “What would you like to discuss?”
"Oh, I don’t know,” said the player. “How about nuclear power?”
"OK,” said the blonde. “That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first....A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat grass. The same stuff. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”
"Oh brother,” said the guy. “I have no idea.”
"Well, then,” said the blond, “How is it that you feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don’t know sh*t?”
A JOKE THAT DOUG DEDICATED TO HIS BOSS -
And goofy stuff that even President Bush would smile at
For the past hour, I've been chuckling over several posts of Doug's. The first post I'd read of his, a few months back, was an incredible vent-rant - straight from the heart - about the state of the world. It was so passionate, I linked to it but I think he deleted it.
Doug's neat blog seems to be evolving into a humorous one, loaded with strong messages that make you smile. He lives in England, and is English, but seems to have a thing about posting goofy stuff that even President Bush would smile at.
Here's a copy of a post that Doug dedicated to his boss :)
Two strangers were seated next to each other on the plane ….. when the guy turned to the beautiful blonde and made his move by saying,
"Let’s talk. I’ve heard that flights will go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”
The blond, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly, and said to the guy, “What would you like to discuss?”
"Oh, I don’t know,” said the player. “How about nuclear power?”
"OK,” said the blonde. “That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first....A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat grass. The same stuff. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”
"Oh brother,” said the guy. “I have no idea.”
"Well, then,” said the blond, “How is it that you feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don’t know sh*t?”
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/30/2004
- - -
THANKS TO DOUG
For two jazzy squirrels
Thanks to Doug at QuadroPHrenia for the two jazzy squirrels - and kind words for me and ophelia.
THANKS TO DOUG
For two jazzy squirrels
Thanks to Doug at QuadroPHrenia for the two jazzy squirrels - and kind words for me and ophelia.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/30/2004
- - -
THERE ARE ONLY ELEVEN TIMES IN HISTORY
When the "F" word has been considered acceptable for use
Here's another post from Doug's blog. [Sorry for lifting your stuff Doug - but I've got some heavy ones coming up on the Sudan and need to lighten things up a little around here] Numbers 11, 10, 4 and 1 are my favourites.
There are only eleven times in history when the “F” word has been considered acceptable for use. They are as follows:
11. “What the @#$% do you mean we are sinking?” — Capt. E. J. Smith of RMS. Titanic, 1912
10. “What the @#$% was that?” — Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945
9. “Where did all those @#$%ing Indians come from?” — Custer, 1877
8. “Any @#$%ing idiot could understand that.”— Einstein, 1938
7. “It does so @#$%ing look like her!” —Picasso, 1926
6. “How the @#$% did you work that out?” — Pythagoras, 126 BC
5. “You want WHAT on the @#$%ing ceiling?” — Michelangelo, 1566
4. “Where the @#$% am I?” — Amelia Earhart, 1937
3. “Scattered @#$%ing showers, my ass!” — Noah, 4314 BC
2. “Aw c’mon. Who the @#$% is going to find out?” — Bill Clinton, 1999
1. “Geez, I didn’t think they’d get this @%#*ing mad.” — Saddam Hussein, 2003
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
For Saturday 28 August, 2004
Fact of the Day for Saturday 28 August 2004 - courtesy Scotsman.com:
Saddam Hussein declared Kuwait to be a province of Iraq on this day in 1990, prompting the First Gulf War.
THERE ARE ONLY ELEVEN TIMES IN HISTORY
When the "F" word has been considered acceptable for use
Here's another post from Doug's blog. [Sorry for lifting your stuff Doug - but I've got some heavy ones coming up on the Sudan and need to lighten things up a little around here] Numbers 11, 10, 4 and 1 are my favourites.
There are only eleven times in history when the “F” word has been considered acceptable for use. They are as follows:
11. “What the @#$% do you mean we are sinking?” — Capt. E. J. Smith of RMS. Titanic, 1912
10. “What the @#$% was that?” — Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945
9. “Where did all those @#$%ing Indians come from?” — Custer, 1877
8. “Any @#$%ing idiot could understand that.”— Einstein, 1938
7. “It does so @#$%ing look like her!” —Picasso, 1926
6. “How the @#$% did you work that out?” — Pythagoras, 126 BC
5. “You want WHAT on the @#$%ing ceiling?” — Michelangelo, 1566
4. “Where the @#$% am I?” — Amelia Earhart, 1937
3. “Scattered @#$%ing showers, my ass!” — Noah, 4314 BC
2. “Aw c’mon. Who the @#$% is going to find out?” — Bill Clinton, 1999
1. “Geez, I didn’t think they’d get this @%#*ing mad.” — Saddam Hussein, 2003
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
For Saturday 28 August, 2004
Fact of the Day for Saturday 28 August 2004 - courtesy Scotsman.com:
Saddam Hussein declared Kuwait to be a province of Iraq on this day in 1990, prompting the First Gulf War.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/30/2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
International Sudanese Peace MeetUp day Sep 6 -
Sudan's FM to visit Japan Sep 5-9 for talks on Darfur crisis
Over the past few days I have set up two more blogs: Congo Watch and Uganda Watch -- and copied over several of my posts from the Passion into Sudan Watch blog. They are my new electronic filing cabinets so this main blog does not get swamped with posts about Africa. Also, my blog A Breath of Hope, I am keeping for posts on M.E.
I've installed sitemeters but not inserted any links in the sidebars. In time to come, I hope to have all of the blogs in the same style as this one -- after it has had a few new tweaks. I'd like the font slightly larger, the text column slightly broader and the whole page wider and more in the centre of the screen - and the blue highlights to links toned down. On my screen, this blog sits to the far left of the page - the other half of my screen is blank. Other blogs fill the whole screen.
Setting up these blogs has taken time. And been a little hard going, because a friend -- who thinks what I am doing re Sudan is a complete waste of time -- told me again yesterday to forget about the Sudan and concentrate on something that is achievable. I don't have proof -- but believe what we are doing has had an effect. Exactly what, is too long to go into here right now. Have to leave it for another day. Note this article that wonders how Darfur and not Congo got all the attention - it is entitled "Scramble for Resources in DRC Leads to Massive Deaths, But Scant Attention".
Well here's some proof that blogging about the Sudan is not a total waste of time: a few days ago I received an email from a chap in America who teaches world history -- asking for permission to use some of the Sudan material in my main blog. He wanted to use it for teaching his students. I wrote back encouraging him and his students to start a blog where they could post their project material -- it would be a fun way for them to learn and hone computing skills. He replied saying he would look into starting a blog.
- - -
Warm thanks to Nick for leaving a comment here advising that September 6 is International Sudanese Peace MeetUp day. Nick has written a neat post on Google talking. I played around with Google talk: keyed in 'Passion of the Present' which came up with: sudan The song Sudan; my name brought up Political Science; Nick's name produced Student's Guide. Heh. Ophelia got "New York County, Government agencies and other Voices".
Here below is a copy of a comment I left at Finalvent - together with news that Sudan's FM Ismail is to visit Japan Sept 5-9 for talks on the Darfur crisis (which means he'll be in Japan on the International Sudanese Peace day: September 6) - and Finalvent's response.
- - -
Hello finalvent, I found your blog in the sidebar at Passion of the Present. Thought you might like to see a copy, here below, of a report in the Sudan Tribune today. Also, someone just emailed me to say Meetup.com is reporting September 6 is International Sudanese Peace Meetup day... I don't know if it's coordinated by another group or this is just a monthly, smaller event. I'll treat Sept 6 as a global "virtual" meetup day and aim to do a post that links to you in Japan from England and to Passion of the Present in the USA and other blogs I know of in Canada, Australia, Malaysia. What about China and Russia -- do you know of any bloggers writing about the Sudan there? If I link to you, will you know via Technorati? Seems the bloggers in Malaysia don't get the pings when I link to them. Best wishes from England, UK.
- - -
Hello, Ingrid-san. Thank you for your comment. I think that your suggestion is worth to be read by many Japanese people. I translated it roughly on the new entry.
As you know Japan now seems to hold more than three millions of bloggers (incredible!). Blog communication infrastructure in Japan is ready to easily catch RSS/ATOM, though some ping servers would not work well.
I referred your blog RSS/ATOM:
http://meandophelia.blogspot.com/rss/meandophelia.xml
Since May or June, Japanese journalism began informing Darfur genocide. But Japanese political situation inside is complicated. Human right aware people in Japan seem to be divided into several groups: the major poles are U.S. accepting group and China supporting group. The china group is, I guess, an obstacle for Japanese contribution for Darfur people. They pay too much attention in favor of china national interests. China is suspected to support the Sudan government, hoping to make strong tie to be suppleid with PETROLUEM bypassed from the world oil market.
投稿者: finalvent (8月 28, 2004 10:13 午前)
- - -
SUDAN'S FM TO VISIT JAPAN
Sept 5-9 for talks on Darfur crisis
TOKYO, Aug 27, 2004 (Kyodo) -- Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail will visit Japan Sept 5-9 for talks on the conflict in the African nation's Darfur region, ministry sources said Friday.
- - -
U.N. SUDAN MISSION
Under preparation in Vienna
VIENNA, Aug 26, 2004 (dpa) -- A sensitive U.N. mission to Sudan is presently being prepared by Austria and 13 other countries, the newspaper Die Presse said on Thursday.
Sudan's FM to visit Japan Sep 5-9 for talks on Darfur crisis
Over the past few days I have set up two more blogs: Congo Watch and Uganda Watch -- and copied over several of my posts from the Passion into Sudan Watch blog. They are my new electronic filing cabinets so this main blog does not get swamped with posts about Africa. Also, my blog A Breath of Hope, I am keeping for posts on M.E.
I've installed sitemeters but not inserted any links in the sidebars. In time to come, I hope to have all of the blogs in the same style as this one -- after it has had a few new tweaks. I'd like the font slightly larger, the text column slightly broader and the whole page wider and more in the centre of the screen - and the blue highlights to links toned down. On my screen, this blog sits to the far left of the page - the other half of my screen is blank. Other blogs fill the whole screen.
Setting up these blogs has taken time. And been a little hard going, because a friend -- who thinks what I am doing re Sudan is a complete waste of time -- told me again yesterday to forget about the Sudan and concentrate on something that is achievable. I don't have proof -- but believe what we are doing has had an effect. Exactly what, is too long to go into here right now. Have to leave it for another day. Note this article that wonders how Darfur and not Congo got all the attention - it is entitled "Scramble for Resources in DRC Leads to Massive Deaths, But Scant Attention".
Well here's some proof that blogging about the Sudan is not a total waste of time: a few days ago I received an email from a chap in America who teaches world history -- asking for permission to use some of the Sudan material in my main blog. He wanted to use it for teaching his students. I wrote back encouraging him and his students to start a blog where they could post their project material -- it would be a fun way for them to learn and hone computing skills. He replied saying he would look into starting a blog.
- - -
Warm thanks to Nick for leaving a comment here advising that September 6 is International Sudanese Peace MeetUp day. Nick has written a neat post on Google talking. I played around with Google talk: keyed in 'Passion of the Present' which came up with: sudan The song Sudan; my name brought up Political Science; Nick's name produced Student's Guide. Heh. Ophelia got "New York County, Government agencies and other Voices".
Here below is a copy of a comment I left at Finalvent - together with news that Sudan's FM Ismail is to visit Japan Sept 5-9 for talks on the Darfur crisis (which means he'll be in Japan on the International Sudanese Peace day: September 6) - and Finalvent's response.
- - -
Hello finalvent, I found your blog in the sidebar at Passion of the Present. Thought you might like to see a copy, here below, of a report in the Sudan Tribune today. Also, someone just emailed me to say Meetup.com is reporting September 6 is International Sudanese Peace Meetup day... I don't know if it's coordinated by another group or this is just a monthly, smaller event. I'll treat Sept 6 as a global "virtual" meetup day and aim to do a post that links to you in Japan from England and to Passion of the Present in the USA and other blogs I know of in Canada, Australia, Malaysia. What about China and Russia -- do you know of any bloggers writing about the Sudan there? If I link to you, will you know via Technorati? Seems the bloggers in Malaysia don't get the pings when I link to them. Best wishes from England, UK.
- - -
Hello, Ingrid-san. Thank you for your comment. I think that your suggestion is worth to be read by many Japanese people. I translated it roughly on the new entry.
As you know Japan now seems to hold more than three millions of bloggers (incredible!). Blog communication infrastructure in Japan is ready to easily catch RSS/ATOM, though some ping servers would not work well.
I referred your blog RSS/ATOM:
http://meandophelia.blogspot.com/rss/meandophelia.xml
Since May or June, Japanese journalism began informing Darfur genocide. But Japanese political situation inside is complicated. Human right aware people in Japan seem to be divided into several groups: the major poles are U.S. accepting group and China supporting group. The china group is, I guess, an obstacle for Japanese contribution for Darfur people. They pay too much attention in favor of china national interests. China is suspected to support the Sudan government, hoping to make strong tie to be suppleid with PETROLUEM bypassed from the world oil market.
投稿者: finalvent (8月 28, 2004 10:13 午前)
- - -
SUDAN'S FM TO VISIT JAPAN
Sept 5-9 for talks on Darfur crisis
TOKYO, Aug 27, 2004 (Kyodo) -- Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail will visit Japan Sept 5-9 for talks on the conflict in the African nation's Darfur region, ministry sources said Friday.
- - -
U.N. SUDAN MISSION
Under preparation in Vienna
VIENNA, Aug 26, 2004 (dpa) -- A sensitive U.N. mission to Sudan is presently being prepared by Austria and 13 other countries, the newspaper Die Presse said on Thursday.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/29/2004
Friday, August 27, 2004
ON A DARK DESERT HIGHWAY
Cool wind in my hair...
Here outside below is a huge truck unloading sound systems. It's a band -- well known for its Eagles tribute. Hey. If I keep my window open tonight, I'll get to hear live Eagles songs. Welcome to the Hotel California -- you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave ...
Mirrors on the ceiling
Pink champagne on ice
And she said
We are all just prisoners here
Of our own device
And in the master's chambers
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives
But they just can't kill the beast
Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
Relax said the nightman
We are programed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave
We twenty and thirty somethings in Las Vegas sure understood those lyrics. And Willie Nelson's Stardust album -- we wore out. Can't explain here right now. These are notes to myself for a later date. If I listed every song I can think of, each one would trigger memories of times, people, places and events that I could blog about - at a later date.
If only I could get just 20% more energy, maybe I'd be up to it. Sure, I can manage emotive posts on the Sudan. But posts about myself, before I became ill, stir up reminders of the person I used to be, up until five years ago, and are in stark contrast to the person I am now - and make me realise I don't recognise myself anymore - or know who I am. Hopes and dreams - and the rest of my life - disappeared. So it is best that I let sleeping dogs lay. For now.
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely Place
Such a lovely Place (background)
Such a lovely face
They're livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise
What a nice surprise (background)
Bring your alibies
Cool wind in my hair...
Here outside below is a huge truck unloading sound systems. It's a band -- well known for its Eagles tribute. Hey. If I keep my window open tonight, I'll get to hear live Eagles songs. Welcome to the Hotel California -- you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave ...
Mirrors on the ceiling
Pink champagne on ice
And she said
We are all just prisoners here
Of our own device
And in the master's chambers
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives
But they just can't kill the beast
Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
Relax said the nightman
We are programed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave
We twenty and thirty somethings in Las Vegas sure understood those lyrics. And Willie Nelson's Stardust album -- we wore out. Can't explain here right now. These are notes to myself for a later date. If I listed every song I can think of, each one would trigger memories of times, people, places and events that I could blog about - at a later date.
If only I could get just 20% more energy, maybe I'd be up to it. Sure, I can manage emotive posts on the Sudan. But posts about myself, before I became ill, stir up reminders of the person I used to be, up until five years ago, and are in stark contrast to the person I am now - and make me realise I don't recognise myself anymore - or know who I am. Hopes and dreams - and the rest of my life - disappeared. So it is best that I let sleeping dogs lay. For now.
Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely Place
Such a lovely Place (background)
Such a lovely face
They're livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise
What a nice surprise (background)
Bring your alibies
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/27/2004
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
SUDAN: WHY NOT IMPOSE AN OIL EMBARGO?
Chinese FM discusses Sudan with US, Russian, French counterparts
At Sudan Watch and Passion of the Present today, I have posted an extraordinary and dynamite report on sanctions by the Washington Post. I've spent all day composing posts and emails. Laptop is red hot. So are my eyes. Must take a rest break. And catch up on what my blogmates are writing. I'll add to this post on oil and sanctions in the next day or two.
- - -
AUGUST 25 DAY OF CONSCIENCE FOR SUDAN
MeetUps being held across America
Today, August 25, in America is Sudan Day of Conscience. MeetUps for Sudan peace supporters are taking place across America.
To join in the effort, I have published several posts at the American site Passion of the Present, sharing news of UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's visit to Khartoum, the British Government's policy on Sudan and what others are saying. Also to mark the day, the posts will appear later in my Sudan Watch blog.
- - -
At the moment, as I'm blogging, it's 20:56 at night. Beatles song "She Loves You" is playing outside -- in the distance -- out to sea -- in a nearby venue -- it's special Beatles show -- yay -- I'm opening the windows to hear better.
Amazing sight right now. Pitch dark in here because I haven't switched on any lights yet. Just the light of laptop screen shining into my face. If I look up, above the lid, I see a glistening black sea stretching out to the horizon into a dark inky blue sky. A three quarter shiny gold moon is hanging half way above the sea -- straight in front of me. It's warm out. I can hear a people laughing in the distance -- sea waves rolling on the shore -- no traffic sounds. Ticket to Ride is playing -- brings back a lot of memories ... Makes me want a glass of wine and a cig and to be with people.
Roll Over Beethoven is playing right now. It's a live band. Rockabilly -- giving the tunes a neat twist. Sounds pretty good. Wonder who they are. I can feel the atmosphere from here. Here comes: "All My Loving" I will send to you.... Now they're playing: "With Love From Me To You" ... hey I'm old enough to know all the lyrics :)
Now I'm foot tapping and nodding along to Eight Days A Week -- and Love Love Me Do... Ophelia looks at me funny when I sing. Ah yes, those were the days, twisting around in my mini skirt, hotpants and thigh length black shiny boots -- Heh Nick, I'll write about my Mary Quant Super Sweeper Eyelashes one day :)
- - -
SONG FOR SUDAN
Read the lyrics here
Warm thanks to Doug at Quadrophrenia for posting the lyrics of Song for Sudan.
Chinese FM discusses Sudan with US, Russian, French counterparts
At Sudan Watch and Passion of the Present today, I have posted an extraordinary and dynamite report on sanctions by the Washington Post. I've spent all day composing posts and emails. Laptop is red hot. So are my eyes. Must take a rest break. And catch up on what my blogmates are writing. I'll add to this post on oil and sanctions in the next day or two.
- - -
AUGUST 25 DAY OF CONSCIENCE FOR SUDAN
MeetUps being held across America
Today, August 25, in America is Sudan Day of Conscience. MeetUps for Sudan peace supporters are taking place across America.
To join in the effort, I have published several posts at the American site Passion of the Present, sharing news of UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's visit to Khartoum, the British Government's policy on Sudan and what others are saying. Also to mark the day, the posts will appear later in my Sudan Watch blog.
- - -
At the moment, as I'm blogging, it's 20:56 at night. Beatles song "She Loves You" is playing outside -- in the distance -- out to sea -- in a nearby venue -- it's special Beatles show -- yay -- I'm opening the windows to hear better.
Amazing sight right now. Pitch dark in here because I haven't switched on any lights yet. Just the light of laptop screen shining into my face. If I look up, above the lid, I see a glistening black sea stretching out to the horizon into a dark inky blue sky. A three quarter shiny gold moon is hanging half way above the sea -- straight in front of me. It's warm out. I can hear a people laughing in the distance -- sea waves rolling on the shore -- no traffic sounds. Ticket to Ride is playing -- brings back a lot of memories ... Makes me want a glass of wine and a cig and to be with people.
Roll Over Beethoven is playing right now. It's a live band. Rockabilly -- giving the tunes a neat twist. Sounds pretty good. Wonder who they are. I can feel the atmosphere from here. Here comes: "All My Loving" I will send to you.... Now they're playing: "With Love From Me To You" ... hey I'm old enough to know all the lyrics :)
Now I'm foot tapping and nodding along to Eight Days A Week -- and Love Love Me Do... Ophelia looks at me funny when I sing. Ah yes, those were the days, twisting around in my mini skirt, hotpants and thigh length black shiny boots -- Heh Nick, I'll write about my Mary Quant Super Sweeper Eyelashes one day :)
- - -
SONG FOR SUDAN
Read the lyrics here
Warm thanks to Doug at Quadrophrenia for posting the lyrics of Song for Sudan.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/25/2004
Monday, August 23, 2004
POWERFUL IMAGE OF A DYING CHILD OF DARFUR
A mother held her ill daughter at a Doctors Without Borders MSF clinic near Nyala, Sudan, where violence and disease are killing tens of thousands.
Photo credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Polaris/CARE. Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
Excerpt from the Passion of the Present: "Bich Ngoc Cao, artist and activist, has been working to assemble images of Darfur as a way of mobilizing action to stop the genocide. Bich Ngoc has sifted through many images.
The single most compelling image is that of a dying child, which was featured in a front page story on Sudan in the Sunday New York Times on July 18, 2004. Above is the image, one of many made by photographer Evelyn Hockstein.
Bich Ncog Cao attempted to license non-commercial rights to this image because she believes this image will make a difference to Sudan if it is very widely seen.
Other images have changed the consciousness of the world. Remember how the anti-Apartied movement in South Africa was galvanized by the photo from Soweto of a dead boy in the arms of a caring crowd?
CARE--the organization--refused to license us the rights to this photo because they argue that the photo is too graphic and the child, being naked, is too exposed. Our own view is that genocide itself is too graphic, and its victims too exposed. And in any case, this image has already graced the cover of the Sunday New York Times, with a circulation of well over a million copies in physical form, and the image is available now at the New York Times online.
If you happen to know Evelyn Hockstein or others at CARE, Jim would appreciate your help in urging them to see their way clear to license the image to us. On the other hand, if you think we are going too far in wanting to circulate this image widely, let us hear from you, too. Thanks for your help."
- - -
BRITISH GOVERNMENT BEHIND AFRICAN TROOPS
Britain stands ready to provide further assistance if necessary
Sudan is a former British protectorate. Britain is the world's largest cash donor, and the second-largest contributor of aid, to Sudan. It's historic ties with Sudan stretch back more than a century to when the region was under British control.
Today, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is on his way to Sudan to pile pressure on Khartoum. On leaving Heathrow Airport, he told reporters that the Sudanese government would "face the opprobrium of the world" if it failed to rein in the Arab Janjaweed militia by the UN security council deadline of August 30. His trip has been planned since July 22, 2004.
Rest of the story is at my new blog Sudan Watch. Note I published a copy of the full post at Passion of the Present today where there are updates on the AU and peace talks being held today in Nigeria.
A mother held her ill daughter at a Doctors Without Borders MSF clinic near Nyala, Sudan, where violence and disease are killing tens of thousands.
Photo credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Polaris/CARE. Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
Excerpt from the Passion of the Present: "Bich Ngoc Cao, artist and activist, has been working to assemble images of Darfur as a way of mobilizing action to stop the genocide. Bich Ngoc has sifted through many images.
The single most compelling image is that of a dying child, which was featured in a front page story on Sudan in the Sunday New York Times on July 18, 2004. Above is the image, one of many made by photographer Evelyn Hockstein.
Bich Ncog Cao attempted to license non-commercial rights to this image because she believes this image will make a difference to Sudan if it is very widely seen.
Other images have changed the consciousness of the world. Remember how the anti-Apartied movement in South Africa was galvanized by the photo from Soweto of a dead boy in the arms of a caring crowd?
CARE--the organization--refused to license us the rights to this photo because they argue that the photo is too graphic and the child, being naked, is too exposed. Our own view is that genocide itself is too graphic, and its victims too exposed. And in any case, this image has already graced the cover of the Sunday New York Times, with a circulation of well over a million copies in physical form, and the image is available now at the New York Times online.
If you happen to know Evelyn Hockstein or others at CARE, Jim would appreciate your help in urging them to see their way clear to license the image to us. On the other hand, if you think we are going too far in wanting to circulate this image widely, let us hear from you, too. Thanks for your help."
- - -
BRITISH GOVERNMENT BEHIND AFRICAN TROOPS
Britain stands ready to provide further assistance if necessary
Sudan is a former British protectorate. Britain is the world's largest cash donor, and the second-largest contributor of aid, to Sudan. It's historic ties with Sudan stretch back more than a century to when the region was under British control.
Today, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is on his way to Sudan to pile pressure on Khartoum. On leaving Heathrow Airport, he told reporters that the Sudanese government would "face the opprobrium of the world" if it failed to rein in the Arab Janjaweed militia by the UN security council deadline of August 30. His trip has been planned since July 22, 2004.
Rest of the story is at my new blog Sudan Watch. Note I published a copy of the full post at Passion of the Present today where there are updates on the AU and peace talks being held today in Nigeria.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/23/2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
BRING TOGETHER ONLINE AND OFFLINE
Worlds and Communities
This post has taken me three days to complete. Today, out of necessity, I started up a third blog called Sudan Watch for my future posts on the Sudan. And my second new blog, "A Breath of Hope", I have now renamed Africa Aid Watch for my posts on the U.N. and aid agencies.
BlogSpots are still free of charge through Blogger.com. Unsure how it will all work out, but I needed to do something about my posts on the Sudan because they've overwhelmed my personal blog here for the past four months. Eventually, I hope to have all three in the same style as here, so the other two will look like categories within this blog.
Yesterday, I sent an email to each of the three contact names given at a UK site called Western Sudan Development Agency. Below is a copy of the email. One of the emails, with a hotmail address for Adam Down, has been returned to me as undeliverable. Hopefully, the other two got through OK.
Note: just as I was about to publish this post, I saw Jim's latest post "Bring together online and offline worlds and communities" that inspired me to change the title of this post.
Email to: Adam Down, Abubaker Rashid and Bakhit Fodoul
Date: August 21, 2004
Subject: Sudan: Day of Conscience - MeetUps across America on Wednesday August 25, 2004 by Sudan Peace Supporters
Hello to all at the Western Sudan Development Agency,
Today, while searching the Internet for the latest UK government news on Sudan, I found your website Western Sudan Development Agency.
As you are probably aware, UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is due visit Khartoum on Monday (Aug 23) for a meeting with government of Sudan - and on Tuesday (Aug 24) will visit Darfur (Mr Straw's plans to visit Sudan were first announced on July 22) - and so this is a critical time coming up and another opportunity to make our voices - from around the world - heard to put pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan.
Your site caught my eye because I have a personal weblog that I use to raise awareness of the plight of the Sudanese people in Darfur and Chad. I have published almost daily on the situation, since April 24 when I picked up on news of the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Darfur from Jim Moore's Journal out of Harvard in Boston, Mass, USA.
My weblog is called ME AND OPHELIA and can be found at http://meandophelia.blogspot.com
Jim is an American academic living near Boston and his weblog can be found at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/jim/
Back in April, Jim and friends started a weblog on Sudan called "The Passion of the Present" at http://passionofthepresent.org
If you read Jim's recent posts, you will see that MeetUps are being organised by Sudan peace supporters across America.
The date for the MeetUps is Wednesday August 25, 2004.
"Sudan Day of Conscience" is next week, in just 4 days time. This day can make a difference as it comes: the day after Mr Straw meets with GoS and visits Darfur; 1 day before the United Nations (UN) meets to consider Sudan; and 3 days before the US Republican Convention (the party of President Bush).
At the Passion of the Present, people across America are being invited to respond by inventing an action to post at SaveDarfur.org Note the sidebar on the right where you will see a "Sudanese Peace MeetUp" button saying "Meet other Sudan peace supporters, let's make this happen!"
Unfortunately I am unable to participate in the MeetUps. I am located in Dorset, England, UK.
However, since Jim recently invited me to co-author the Passion of the Present, there is a chance I could contribute to the "Sudanese Peace MeetUps" by publicising news of your meeting for Darfur people that is scheduled to take place on August 26, 2004, in Birmingham, England.
Therefore, I am hoping someone at "Western Sudan Development Agency" would be willing to email me news of your work. It would be interesting to receive any news on Darfur - out of the UK or Europe - that I can share with my readers - and those at Passion of the Present in America (readers are from all over the world who also have weblogs).
I note from a recent news item from getreading,co.uk (see copy below) that Mr Ibrahim Hashim, 28, of Avon Place, who comes from Darfur, works for the Western Sudan Development Agency which is putting pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan. The item explains that Mr Hashim, who estimates there are 200 Sudanese living in Reading, England, called on people from the town to join him and other campaigners on a march from the Sudanese Embassy to 10 Downing Street last Friday. I would be most interested to receive and share your news and efforts to put pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan -- along with any other news, personal stories, photos - anything you think may prove helpful in raising awareness. Please don't worry if they are just scrap notes in an email - I can write around them and pull something together for publishing in my weblog and at the Passion of the Present.
Please forgive me if I have addressed you in this email incorrectly. Your website gives three contact names and addresses so, in order to be sure that this reaches at least one person, I am sending the same message, in separate emails, to each of you in the hope of an early reply. I would be most grateful if you could please pass on a copy of this email to Mr Ibrahim Hashim as I would be interested to know how he and other campaigners got on last Friday, along with any other news he might like to share.
With best wishes --
PS Below is a copy of the online report "Help Stop Sudan horror", followed by a copy of Jim's post at his Journal entitled "Please help, SOS for next Wednesday August 25:
HELP STOP SUDAN HORROR - Join protest march or donate cash
THE horrific images of Darfur may be a distant news story for most, but for one Newtown man the humanitarian disaster is all too close to home.
Ibrahim Hashim’s mother and two sisters are among the black Africans forced from their homes in Darfur, Western Sudan by Arab militia – the Janjaweed.
His mother is in a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad and his two sisters have also been forced from their homes and are living near her.
Mr Hashim, 28, of Avon Place, who comes from the region himself, has told the Evening Post of the refuges, famine, disease and terrible attacks inflicted there.
He said: “My mother is now in a refugee camp in Chad. I was able to talk to her on a satellite phone a few weeks ago.
“I also have two sisters who had to leave Darfur and are living near my mother in Chad.
“There are many reports of the Janjaweed militia raping black African women to humiliate them.
“My mother, who is 62, told me of an 82-year-old woman she knew who had been raped.”
He added: “I don’t want to say too much about my family, because everyone from Darfur living in this country has lost a member of their family.
"I have been told of people being bombed when they were out in the fields looking after their cattle.
“I know of a family – a father, mother and their little daughters – who were tied together and made to watch while their oldest daughter was raped.
“I know of another family whose two sons were killed before their eyes when they tried to stop the Arab militia men from raping their sister.”
Mr Hashim works for the Western Sudan Development Agency, which is putting pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan.
The Sudanese government in Khartoum has been accused of making the situation in Darfur worse by allowing the Janjaweed a free hand to ethnically-cleanse the area of black Africans.
Mr Hashim, who estimates there are 200 Sudanese living in Reading, has called on people from the town to join him and other campaigners on a march from the Sudanese Embassy to 10 Downing Street on Friday.
The protest march begins at 11am and anyone interested in taking part should contact Mr Hashim on (0118) 926 3801 or 07946 031 621.
He also urged people in Reading to give cash to the Red Cross and Oxfam for humanitarian aid for the people of Darfur.
- - -
SUDANESE AUSTRALIANS RALLY FOR DARFUR
Here is a copy of a report from Australia dated August 22:
Members of Melbourne's Sudanese community have rallied, calling for the immediate dispatch of an international peacekeeping force to Darfur in western Sudan.
About 100 protesters said the international community has been too slow to act on stopping Arab militias from killing thousands and driving a million black Africans from their homes in the western state.
The chairman of the Sudanese community in Australia, Ezekiel Arop, says they want the Australian federal Government to play its part in putting more pressure on the Sudanese Government to stop the violence.
So far, only a small contingent of 300 African Union troops have gone into Darfur to protect international observers and Mr Arop says only an international force will stop genocide similar to that which happened in Rwanda ten years ago.
"We are arguing for more, not just the African because we don't want what happened in Rwanda to be repeated again in Darfur and what happened in the South Sudan."
Another community member, Elhafiz Adal, says the international community is acting too slowly to help refugees fleeing to camps in Chad.
"Whenever we act so slowly people are dying and we know people are dying right now, so we need people to act more quickly.
"There are also people who have got stranded in the jungles, in deserts and in mountains and there is no way of making it to neighbouring countries, so their situation is much worse."
- - -
Note: over the past few days, I've found some great UK blogs while searching for Sudan news out of the UK, and have put some in my sidebar for reading on a regular basis, ie:
The Social Affairs Unit - Weblog
Downing Street Says
Chris Lightfoot
- - -
SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Resumes Consideration of Darfur -
The Grim Political Realities and Prospects
Any time now, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is due to arrive in Khartoum for meetings tomorrow (Monday).
Peace talks between Khartoum and the two rebel groups are also scheduled for Monday -- in Nigeria. Looks like Sudan's President Bashir won't be in Nigeria. Arab League (and possibly Libya and Egypt) are expected to sit in on the talks as observers, which is good that everyone gets to hear the same information, at the same time.
Mr Straw is due to visit Northern Darfur on Tuesday. The Governor of Darfur has been receiving quite a few foreign visitors -- Belgium visited sometime during the past few days.
The rebels are still holding out in Darfur. They estimate there are 600,000 civilians living in the areas under their control and surviving by grubbing around for food. On August 10, the UN said the two rebel groups in Darfur agreed to allow vaccination of up to a 500,000 children trapped behind rebel lines. The rebels use satellite phones to keep in touch with what is going on and say they stay glued to BBC radio reports in Arabic. Reports out today confirm that aid is being air dropped into Darfur.
On August 4, In an interview with Islam Online, the Janjaweed Leader was quoted as saying: “If disarmament is not all-encompassing, nobody will care,” he told IOL. “It makes no sense to disarm and leave us all by ourselves, facing bloody revenge sprees and ethnic cleansing.”
Tomorrow, at the talks in Khartoum and Nigeria, hopefully the issue of aid will be top of the agenda. Note my new blog Africa Aid Watch that logs recent UN delays and failures to reach at least 50% of those who are most in need.
Yesterday, John Prendergast, from the International Crisis Group criticized the international community for providing less than half of a March U.N. appeal for $350 million in humanitarian aid for Darfur, and for acting too slowly to stop Darfur's death toll from mounting. "As high-level officials from all over the world continue to talk very passionately, but act very timidly in Darfur, the Darfurian people continue to perish. And we're going to see those numbers increase dramatically," he added. In this report he calls for other measures if Security Council is blocked.
For the latest run down on the Sudan crisis please read Sudan expert Professor Eric Reeves' August 19, 2004 report entitled: "Ten Days Before the UN Security Council Resumes Consideration of Darfur: The Grim Political Realities and Prospects".
When reading Prof Reeves' report, it may feel like a train rushing headlong at you but sadly what he writes is true and is a must-read for anyone who has influence in politics and the media.
Grimly, the report concludes with these words: "A response adequate to the genocidal destruction that has occurred in Darfur, and is so clearly in prospect, seems nowhere in sight. This is "darkness visible."
In an effort to raise awareness in the UK re Wednesday's "Sudan Day of Conscience", I am pinging this post - via Technorati - to the below listed UK bloggers in the hope that they will read Dr Reeves' report. Thanks to everyone - sorry to bug you again.
Clive Soley MP
Tom Watson MP
Richard Allan MP
Alistair Coleman
Clive Summerfield
Tim Ireland
David Taylor
Norman Geras
Melanie Phillips (on holiday)
Councillor Bob Piper
Stephen Pollard
Gavin Sheridan
AndrewSullivan
Note: for the latest news developments on the Sudan please tune in to Jim Moore and friends at Passion of the Present blog out of Harvard in Boston, Mass, USA.
Worlds and Communities
This post has taken me three days to complete. Today, out of necessity, I started up a third blog called Sudan Watch for my future posts on the Sudan. And my second new blog, "A Breath of Hope", I have now renamed Africa Aid Watch for my posts on the U.N. and aid agencies.
BlogSpots are still free of charge through Blogger.com. Unsure how it will all work out, but I needed to do something about my posts on the Sudan because they've overwhelmed my personal blog here for the past four months. Eventually, I hope to have all three in the same style as here, so the other two will look like categories within this blog.
Yesterday, I sent an email to each of the three contact names given at a UK site called Western Sudan Development Agency. Below is a copy of the email. One of the emails, with a hotmail address for Adam Down, has been returned to me as undeliverable. Hopefully, the other two got through OK.
Note: just as I was about to publish this post, I saw Jim's latest post "Bring together online and offline worlds and communities" that inspired me to change the title of this post.
Email to: Adam Down, Abubaker Rashid and Bakhit Fodoul
Date: August 21, 2004
Subject: Sudan: Day of Conscience - MeetUps across America on Wednesday August 25, 2004 by Sudan Peace Supporters
Hello to all at the Western Sudan Development Agency,
Today, while searching the Internet for the latest UK government news on Sudan, I found your website Western Sudan Development Agency.
As you are probably aware, UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is due visit Khartoum on Monday (Aug 23) for a meeting with government of Sudan - and on Tuesday (Aug 24) will visit Darfur (Mr Straw's plans to visit Sudan were first announced on July 22) - and so this is a critical time coming up and another opportunity to make our voices - from around the world - heard to put pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan.
Your site caught my eye because I have a personal weblog that I use to raise awareness of the plight of the Sudanese people in Darfur and Chad. I have published almost daily on the situation, since April 24 when I picked up on news of the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Darfur from Jim Moore's Journal out of Harvard in Boston, Mass, USA.
My weblog is called ME AND OPHELIA and can be found at http://meandophelia.blogspot.com
Jim is an American academic living near Boston and his weblog can be found at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/jim/
Back in April, Jim and friends started a weblog on Sudan called "The Passion of the Present" at http://passionofthepresent.org
If you read Jim's recent posts, you will see that MeetUps are being organised by Sudan peace supporters across America.
The date for the MeetUps is Wednesday August 25, 2004.
"Sudan Day of Conscience" is next week, in just 4 days time. This day can make a difference as it comes: the day after Mr Straw meets with GoS and visits Darfur; 1 day before the United Nations (UN) meets to consider Sudan; and 3 days before the US Republican Convention (the party of President Bush).
At the Passion of the Present, people across America are being invited to respond by inventing an action to post at SaveDarfur.org Note the sidebar on the right where you will see a "Sudanese Peace MeetUp" button saying "Meet other Sudan peace supporters, let's make this happen!"
Unfortunately I am unable to participate in the MeetUps. I am located in Dorset, England, UK.
However, since Jim recently invited me to co-author the Passion of the Present, there is a chance I could contribute to the "Sudanese Peace MeetUps" by publicising news of your meeting for Darfur people that is scheduled to take place on August 26, 2004, in Birmingham, England.
Therefore, I am hoping someone at "Western Sudan Development Agency" would be willing to email me news of your work. It would be interesting to receive any news on Darfur - out of the UK or Europe - that I can share with my readers - and those at Passion of the Present in America (readers are from all over the world who also have weblogs).
I note from a recent news item from getreading,co.uk (see copy below) that Mr Ibrahim Hashim, 28, of Avon Place, who comes from Darfur, works for the Western Sudan Development Agency which is putting pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan. The item explains that Mr Hashim, who estimates there are 200 Sudanese living in Reading, England, called on people from the town to join him and other campaigners on a march from the Sudanese Embassy to 10 Downing Street last Friday. I would be most interested to receive and share your news and efforts to put pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan -- along with any other news, personal stories, photos - anything you think may prove helpful in raising awareness. Please don't worry if they are just scrap notes in an email - I can write around them and pull something together for publishing in my weblog and at the Passion of the Present.
Please forgive me if I have addressed you in this email incorrectly. Your website gives three contact names and addresses so, in order to be sure that this reaches at least one person, I am sending the same message, in separate emails, to each of you in the hope of an early reply. I would be most grateful if you could please pass on a copy of this email to Mr Ibrahim Hashim as I would be interested to know how he and other campaigners got on last Friday, along with any other news he might like to share.
With best wishes --
PS Below is a copy of the online report "Help Stop Sudan horror", followed by a copy of Jim's post at his Journal entitled "Please help, SOS for next Wednesday August 25:
HELP STOP SUDAN HORROR - Join protest march or donate cash
THE horrific images of Darfur may be a distant news story for most, but for one Newtown man the humanitarian disaster is all too close to home.
Ibrahim Hashim’s mother and two sisters are among the black Africans forced from their homes in Darfur, Western Sudan by Arab militia – the Janjaweed.
His mother is in a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad and his two sisters have also been forced from their homes and are living near her.
Mr Hashim, 28, of Avon Place, who comes from the region himself, has told the Evening Post of the refuges, famine, disease and terrible attacks inflicted there.
He said: “My mother is now in a refugee camp in Chad. I was able to talk to her on a satellite phone a few weeks ago.
“I also have two sisters who had to leave Darfur and are living near my mother in Chad.
“There are many reports of the Janjaweed militia raping black African women to humiliate them.
“My mother, who is 62, told me of an 82-year-old woman she knew who had been raped.”
He added: “I don’t want to say too much about my family, because everyone from Darfur living in this country has lost a member of their family.
"I have been told of people being bombed when they were out in the fields looking after their cattle.
“I know of a family – a father, mother and their little daughters – who were tied together and made to watch while their oldest daughter was raped.
“I know of another family whose two sons were killed before their eyes when they tried to stop the Arab militia men from raping their sister.”
Mr Hashim works for the Western Sudan Development Agency, which is putting pressure on governments to intervene in Sudan.
The Sudanese government in Khartoum has been accused of making the situation in Darfur worse by allowing the Janjaweed a free hand to ethnically-cleanse the area of black Africans.
Mr Hashim, who estimates there are 200 Sudanese living in Reading, has called on people from the town to join him and other campaigners on a march from the Sudanese Embassy to 10 Downing Street on Friday.
The protest march begins at 11am and anyone interested in taking part should contact Mr Hashim on (0118) 926 3801 or 07946 031 621.
He also urged people in Reading to give cash to the Red Cross and Oxfam for humanitarian aid for the people of Darfur.
- - -
SUDANESE AUSTRALIANS RALLY FOR DARFUR
Here is a copy of a report from Australia dated August 22:
Members of Melbourne's Sudanese community have rallied, calling for the immediate dispatch of an international peacekeeping force to Darfur in western Sudan.
About 100 protesters said the international community has been too slow to act on stopping Arab militias from killing thousands and driving a million black Africans from their homes in the western state.
The chairman of the Sudanese community in Australia, Ezekiel Arop, says they want the Australian federal Government to play its part in putting more pressure on the Sudanese Government to stop the violence.
So far, only a small contingent of 300 African Union troops have gone into Darfur to protect international observers and Mr Arop says only an international force will stop genocide similar to that which happened in Rwanda ten years ago.
"We are arguing for more, not just the African because we don't want what happened in Rwanda to be repeated again in Darfur and what happened in the South Sudan."
Another community member, Elhafiz Adal, says the international community is acting too slowly to help refugees fleeing to camps in Chad.
"Whenever we act so slowly people are dying and we know people are dying right now, so we need people to act more quickly.
"There are also people who have got stranded in the jungles, in deserts and in mountains and there is no way of making it to neighbouring countries, so their situation is much worse."
- - -
Note: over the past few days, I've found some great UK blogs while searching for Sudan news out of the UK, and have put some in my sidebar for reading on a regular basis, ie:
The Social Affairs Unit - Weblog
Downing Street Says
Chris Lightfoot
- - -
SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL
Resumes Consideration of Darfur -
The Grim Political Realities and Prospects
Any time now, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is due to arrive in Khartoum for meetings tomorrow (Monday).
Peace talks between Khartoum and the two rebel groups are also scheduled for Monday -- in Nigeria. Looks like Sudan's President Bashir won't be in Nigeria. Arab League (and possibly Libya and Egypt) are expected to sit in on the talks as observers, which is good that everyone gets to hear the same information, at the same time.
Mr Straw is due to visit Northern Darfur on Tuesday. The Governor of Darfur has been receiving quite a few foreign visitors -- Belgium visited sometime during the past few days.
The rebels are still holding out in Darfur. They estimate there are 600,000 civilians living in the areas under their control and surviving by grubbing around for food. On August 10, the UN said the two rebel groups in Darfur agreed to allow vaccination of up to a 500,000 children trapped behind rebel lines. The rebels use satellite phones to keep in touch with what is going on and say they stay glued to BBC radio reports in Arabic. Reports out today confirm that aid is being air dropped into Darfur.
On August 4, In an interview with Islam Online, the Janjaweed Leader was quoted as saying: “If disarmament is not all-encompassing, nobody will care,” he told IOL. “It makes no sense to disarm and leave us all by ourselves, facing bloody revenge sprees and ethnic cleansing.”
Tomorrow, at the talks in Khartoum and Nigeria, hopefully the issue of aid will be top of the agenda. Note my new blog Africa Aid Watch that logs recent UN delays and failures to reach at least 50% of those who are most in need.
Yesterday, John Prendergast, from the International Crisis Group criticized the international community for providing less than half of a March U.N. appeal for $350 million in humanitarian aid for Darfur, and for acting too slowly to stop Darfur's death toll from mounting. "As high-level officials from all over the world continue to talk very passionately, but act very timidly in Darfur, the Darfurian people continue to perish. And we're going to see those numbers increase dramatically," he added. In this report he calls for other measures if Security Council is blocked.
For the latest run down on the Sudan crisis please read Sudan expert Professor Eric Reeves' August 19, 2004 report entitled: "Ten Days Before the UN Security Council Resumes Consideration of Darfur: The Grim Political Realities and Prospects".
When reading Prof Reeves' report, it may feel like a train rushing headlong at you but sadly what he writes is true and is a must-read for anyone who has influence in politics and the media.
Grimly, the report concludes with these words: "A response adequate to the genocidal destruction that has occurred in Darfur, and is so clearly in prospect, seems nowhere in sight. This is "darkness visible."
In an effort to raise awareness in the UK re Wednesday's "Sudan Day of Conscience", I am pinging this post - via Technorati - to the below listed UK bloggers in the hope that they will read Dr Reeves' report. Thanks to everyone - sorry to bug you again.
Clive Soley MP
Tom Watson MP
Richard Allan MP
Alistair Coleman
Clive Summerfield
Tim Ireland
David Taylor
Norman Geras
Melanie Phillips (on holiday)
Councillor Bob Piper
Stephen Pollard
Gavin Sheridan
AndrewSullivan
Note: for the latest news developments on the Sudan please tune in to Jim Moore and friends at Passion of the Present blog out of Harvard in Boston, Mass, USA.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/22/2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
POPULATION OF DARFUR IN SUDAN?
"We simply don't know" says Dr Eric Reeves
This follows on from the previous post here below.
What is the population of Darfur in Sudan? "We simply don't know", writes Professor Eric Reeves in an email reply to me, received this morning.
Yesterday I emailed Prof Reeves eight sets of conflicting population figures on Darfur that I'd collated from various websites - including the UN, Darfur Information Center and government of Sudan - and asked which were the most accurate that I could use as a basis for my postings here. There are so many varying reports on the numbers of refugees, I wonder how many people the UN's World Food Programme knows to cater for. By getting the figures, it might help explain WFP shortfalls and failures to meet the needs of the refugees. Yesterday, over at my other blog, I logged a report of a WFP failure to deliver all of the babyfood that is needed: WFP delivered less than one third of that required by the children of Darfur.
Prof Reeves says USAID use the figure of 6.5 million, that he knows many of the people there working on Darfur who by and large are very good. For this reason, he uses the same figure, but knows that it is probably somewhere between 6 and 7 million - and quite possibly lower. He says there are a host of complicating demographic factors and a lack of detailed knowledge and that there is no reliable census number.
I've noticed too in the recent UN Investigator's report, the Darfur population figure of "approximately 6.5 million" was used.
In the absence of certainty, Prof Reeves suggests I use a single figure (6 million, 6.5 million, or 6-7 million) and stick with it, explaining as necessary.
So, I've decided to use the figure of 6.5 million - and stick to it - as it will help me to become familiar with figures from the UN, USAID and Prof Reeves' writings. He kindly offered to put me on his email list, so as and when I receive copy of his latest reports, I shall share them here.
Eric Reeves is an English Professor at Smith College, Northamptom, Mass., and a recognised expert on Sudan and Darfur. He has provided testimony to Congressional Committees, been widely published in the US and International Press, and frequently provides expert analysis for Non-Governmental Organisations addressing the crisis in Sudan.
For a full biography/bibliography of his work on Sudan and Darfur, click here.
"We simply don't know" says Dr Eric Reeves
This follows on from the previous post here below.
What is the population of Darfur in Sudan? "We simply don't know", writes Professor Eric Reeves in an email reply to me, received this morning.
Yesterday I emailed Prof Reeves eight sets of conflicting population figures on Darfur that I'd collated from various websites - including the UN, Darfur Information Center and government of Sudan - and asked which were the most accurate that I could use as a basis for my postings here. There are so many varying reports on the numbers of refugees, I wonder how many people the UN's World Food Programme knows to cater for. By getting the figures, it might help explain WFP shortfalls and failures to meet the needs of the refugees. Yesterday, over at my other blog, I logged a report of a WFP failure to deliver all of the babyfood that is needed: WFP delivered less than one third of that required by the children of Darfur.
Prof Reeves says USAID use the figure of 6.5 million, that he knows many of the people there working on Darfur who by and large are very good. For this reason, he uses the same figure, but knows that it is probably somewhere between 6 and 7 million - and quite possibly lower. He says there are a host of complicating demographic factors and a lack of detailed knowledge and that there is no reliable census number.
I've noticed too in the recent UN Investigator's report, the Darfur population figure of "approximately 6.5 million" was used.
In the absence of certainty, Prof Reeves suggests I use a single figure (6 million, 6.5 million, or 6-7 million) and stick with it, explaining as necessary.
So, I've decided to use the figure of 6.5 million - and stick to it - as it will help me to become familiar with figures from the UN, USAID and Prof Reeves' writings. He kindly offered to put me on his email list, so as and when I receive copy of his latest reports, I shall share them here.
Eric Reeves is an English Professor at Smith College, Northamptom, Mass., and a recognised expert on Sudan and Darfur. He has provided testimony to Congressional Committees, been widely published in the US and International Press, and frequently provides expert analysis for Non-Governmental Organisations addressing the crisis in Sudan.
For a full biography/bibliography of his work on Sudan and Darfur, click here.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/19/2004
- - -
DARFUR IN SUDAN DEATH TOLL UPDATE:
Estimates 185,000 - 2,500 dying a day
In Prof Reeves' latest report on mortality figures for Darfur, he estimates the death toll over the past 18 months of conflict in Darfur is 180,000 - and that 2,500 people a day are dying.
Today, the Darfur Genocide site clocks the death toll at 185,000.
Note the Darfur Genocide site states "no one knows for sure how many people have died in Darfur, or how many are at risk. Good, first hand information is extremely hard to come by. Figures used on this site are based on the best calculations that we are aware of. The number displayed on their counter uses Professor Reeves' analysis and conclusion that, as of August 13th, approximately 180,000 people had been killed.
The site adds 1,000 people every day, reflecting the daily mortality rate estimate by the United States Agency for International Development and several humanitarian organisations working on the ground."
DARFUR IN SUDAN DEATH TOLL UPDATE:
Estimates 185,000 - 2,500 dying a day
In Prof Reeves' latest report on mortality figures for Darfur, he estimates the death toll over the past 18 months of conflict in Darfur is 180,000 - and that 2,500 people a day are dying.
Today, the Darfur Genocide site clocks the death toll at 185,000.
Note the Darfur Genocide site states "no one knows for sure how many people have died in Darfur, or how many are at risk. Good, first hand information is extremely hard to come by. Figures used on this site are based on the best calculations that we are aware of. The number displayed on their counter uses Professor Reeves' analysis and conclusion that, as of August 13th, approximately 180,000 people had been killed.
The site adds 1,000 people every day, reflecting the daily mortality rate estimate by the United States Agency for International Development and several humanitarian organisations working on the ground."
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/19/2004
- - -
GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN USED CHEMICAL WEAPONS?
Villagers in Sudan describe poisoning
On August 17, 2004, the Washington Times published a report by Levon Sevunts. Here is an excerpt:
SHEGEK KARO, Sudan — Inhabitants of this picturesque village in the Darfur region of western Sudan said the Sudanese air force sprayed them with a strange powder in an attack in May that killed two villagers and dozens of cattle.
Another bomb, dropped by a jet fighter on the same day, produced a poisonous smoke that injured about 50 villagers on the other side of the village, the villagers said.
A Sudanese air force Antonov plane dropped several rectangular plastic sacks containing a white, flourlike powder on a wadi — a dry riverbed — in the lower part of the village, they said.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about this," a spokeswoman for Ambassador Khidir Haroun Ahmed said. She promised the embassy would look into the matter.
[Thanks to Rajan's great Sudan Genocide Roundup - and for highlighting my post on British MP John Bercow's eyewitness account]
- - -
MSF DOCTOR IN DARFUR
Has many rivers to cross
Blogging doctor Nick at Blogborygmi who has a buddy, Dr Jonathan Spector working with MSF in Darfur, will be interested in this post.
On August 16, the Guardian published a strangely upbeat report apparently authored by Dr Dean Harris, an aid worker, with Médecins Sans Frontières in Garsila, Darfur.
The report shows an MSF photo of Dr Harris treating a sick baby, so it could be genuine. Maybe it needed to sound upbeat so as not to break rules on reporting out of Sudan. Seems there is a news black out when it comes to hard news out of Darfur. Even so, the report gives the impression that everything is happy, clappy fun and smiley faces and challenging fun and games over there - a few patients here and there who have ailments not connected with genocide or ethnic cleansing or starvation.
Beware of any information coming out of Khartoum: they are barefaced shamless liars - and that is putting it mildly. They will do and say anything to save their own skins. Surely their days must be numbered? If not, in time to come, when the West's back is turned, it will start genocide and ethnic cleansing all over again: when oil is discovered in new locations, requiring more infrastructure and oil pipelines to be laid. The victims of Darfur ought to be compensated for all their grief.
[Thanks to "The View From Above" - a neat blog featuring posts on the Sudan. The author kindly picked up on my recent post about British MP John Bercow's eyewitness account on Darfur. Sorry, can't find the blogger's name or why the blog contains "7000feet" - maybe it's authored from the top of a mountain. Whatever, a warm hello and thank you for the links whoever you are, wherever you are]
- - -
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS IN SUDAN
Dr Rowan Gillies, President of MSF
Update Aug 19: Here's another one for Nick: Fresh Air Audio interview with Dr Rowan Gillies, President of MSF. Sorry I can't get the audio file to open on my Mac. I'll check the Apple software updates and try again later. Excerpt:
"Dr. Rowan Gillies is the International President of Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders). He is a medical doctor and surgeon from Sydney, Australia. Dr. Gillies began working with Doctors Without Borders in 1998 as a field doctor in Afghanistan. Since then he has worked with the organisation in Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Liberia. He recently returned from Sudan."
- - -
PULP'S COMMON PEOPLE
Memories of Rocky Horror Show's Opening Night and...
Loved the tune, lyrics and arrangement of Pulp's song "Common People" that Nick linked to in his Wax Ecstatic post.
No wonder Nick had a quasi religious experience listening to it at 4am - it's still spinning around in my head and brought back memories of the mesmerising theatrics of Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show. Let's Do The Time Warp, and other songs from the show, seemed way ahead of their time when I attended the first night launch - at a small venue, somewhere in London, I can't recall the name of because it was thirty something years ago. But I clearly recall, a decade later, working on a deal to book them at the Silver Slipper (no longer exists) and other venues in Las Vegas - and how the Vegas Entertainment Directors of the day felt the show was too "far out" for Vegas audiences...
Can understand why the Common People song caused a quasi-religious experience for Nick at 4am - Rocky Horror had that effect on us at 8pm ;)
- - -
TIME FOR SOME CATBLOGGING
Here's a laugh
Thanks to H at Quadrophrenia for sending me a neat new squirrel playing the sax - and for this link below, - out of the blue.... Heh. :-))
You'll need the sound switched on for this one:
http://www.media.ebaumsworld.com/cat.swf
GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN USED CHEMICAL WEAPONS?
Villagers in Sudan describe poisoning
On August 17, 2004, the Washington Times published a report by Levon Sevunts. Here is an excerpt:
SHEGEK KARO, Sudan — Inhabitants of this picturesque village in the Darfur region of western Sudan said the Sudanese air force sprayed them with a strange powder in an attack in May that killed two villagers and dozens of cattle.
Another bomb, dropped by a jet fighter on the same day, produced a poisonous smoke that injured about 50 villagers on the other side of the village, the villagers said.
A Sudanese air force Antonov plane dropped several rectangular plastic sacks containing a white, flourlike powder on a wadi — a dry riverbed — in the lower part of the village, they said.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about this," a spokeswoman for Ambassador Khidir Haroun Ahmed said. She promised the embassy would look into the matter.
[Thanks to Rajan's great Sudan Genocide Roundup - and for highlighting my post on British MP John Bercow's eyewitness account]
- - -
MSF DOCTOR IN DARFUR
Has many rivers to cross
Blogging doctor Nick at Blogborygmi who has a buddy, Dr Jonathan Spector working with MSF in Darfur, will be interested in this post.
On August 16, the Guardian published a strangely upbeat report apparently authored by Dr Dean Harris, an aid worker, with Médecins Sans Frontières in Garsila, Darfur.
The report shows an MSF photo of Dr Harris treating a sick baby, so it could be genuine. Maybe it needed to sound upbeat so as not to break rules on reporting out of Sudan. Seems there is a news black out when it comes to hard news out of Darfur. Even so, the report gives the impression that everything is happy, clappy fun and smiley faces and challenging fun and games over there - a few patients here and there who have ailments not connected with genocide or ethnic cleansing or starvation.
Beware of any information coming out of Khartoum: they are barefaced shamless liars - and that is putting it mildly. They will do and say anything to save their own skins. Surely their days must be numbered? If not, in time to come, when the West's back is turned, it will start genocide and ethnic cleansing all over again: when oil is discovered in new locations, requiring more infrastructure and oil pipelines to be laid. The victims of Darfur ought to be compensated for all their grief.
[Thanks to "The View From Above" - a neat blog featuring posts on the Sudan. The author kindly picked up on my recent post about British MP John Bercow's eyewitness account on Darfur. Sorry, can't find the blogger's name or why the blog contains "7000feet" - maybe it's authored from the top of a mountain. Whatever, a warm hello and thank you for the links whoever you are, wherever you are]
- - -
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS IN SUDAN
Dr Rowan Gillies, President of MSF
Update Aug 19: Here's another one for Nick: Fresh Air Audio interview with Dr Rowan Gillies, President of MSF. Sorry I can't get the audio file to open on my Mac. I'll check the Apple software updates and try again later. Excerpt:
"Dr. Rowan Gillies is the International President of Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders). He is a medical doctor and surgeon from Sydney, Australia. Dr. Gillies began working with Doctors Without Borders in 1998 as a field doctor in Afghanistan. Since then he has worked with the organisation in Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Liberia. He recently returned from Sudan."
- - -
PULP'S COMMON PEOPLE
Memories of Rocky Horror Show's Opening Night and...
Loved the tune, lyrics and arrangement of Pulp's song "Common People" that Nick linked to in his Wax Ecstatic post.
No wonder Nick had a quasi religious experience listening to it at 4am - it's still spinning around in my head and brought back memories of the mesmerising theatrics of Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show. Let's Do The Time Warp, and other songs from the show, seemed way ahead of their time when I attended the first night launch - at a small venue, somewhere in London, I can't recall the name of because it was thirty something years ago. But I clearly recall, a decade later, working on a deal to book them at the Silver Slipper (no longer exists) and other venues in Las Vegas - and how the Vegas Entertainment Directors of the day felt the show was too "far out" for Vegas audiences...
Can understand why the Common People song caused a quasi-religious experience for Nick at 4am - Rocky Horror had that effect on us at 8pm ;)
- - -
TIME FOR SOME CATBLOGGING
Here's a laugh
Thanks to H at Quadrophrenia for sending me a neat new squirrel playing the sax - and for this link below, - out of the blue.... Heh. :-))
You'll need the sound switched on for this one:
http://www.media.ebaumsworld.com/cat.swf
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/19/2004
- - -
AVOIDING GENOCIDE
The right to bear arms could have saved Sudan
Here is an unusual report on Sudan, Human Rights & Gun Control in National Review Online dated August 18, 2004.
The report, entitled "Avoiding Genocide" is authored by Dave Kopel, Paul Gallant and Joanne Eisen. It raises some important points - especially on gun control laws in Sudan - and says the right to bear arms could have saved Sudan. Note the opening paragraph:
[T]he sovereign territorial state claims, as an integral part of its sovereignty, the right to commit genocide, or engage in genocidal massacres, against peoples under its rule, and...the United Nations, for all practical purposes, defends this right. To be sure, no state explicitly claims the right to commit genocide — this would not be morally acceptable even in international circles — but the right is exercised under other more acceptable rubrics.... — Leo Kuper, Genocide: Its Political Use in the Twentieth Century.
AVOIDING GENOCIDE
The right to bear arms could have saved Sudan
Here is an unusual report on Sudan, Human Rights & Gun Control in National Review Online dated August 18, 2004.
The report, entitled "Avoiding Genocide" is authored by Dave Kopel, Paul Gallant and Joanne Eisen. It raises some important points - especially on gun control laws in Sudan - and says the right to bear arms could have saved Sudan. Note the opening paragraph:
[T]he sovereign territorial state claims, as an integral part of its sovereignty, the right to commit genocide, or engage in genocidal massacres, against peoples under its rule, and...the United Nations, for all practical purposes, defends this right. To be sure, no state explicitly claims the right to commit genocide — this would not be morally acceptable even in international circles — but the right is exercised under other more acceptable rubrics.... — Leo Kuper, Genocide: Its Political Use in the Twentieth Century.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/19/2004
- - -
NIGERIA APPROVES 1,500 TROOPS TO SUDAN
To serve with African Union protection force in Darfur
Yesterday, it was reported that Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote a letter to the Nigerian Senate for permission to deploy Nigerian troops to Darfur. In the letter, President Obasanjo wrote: "I am requesting for approval to meet the request of the African Union to deploy one company of Nigerian troops as part of the protection force in Darfur. This approval should equally make allowance for the Nigerian contribution to be expanded as may be necessary to one battalion but not more than two battalions at the utmost."
“Given our pre-eminent place in the continent, the seriousness of the situation in Darfur, our historical contribution to peacemaking, peace building and reconciliation processes in Africa, this is one more chance for us to show leadership and provide hope to millions of our brothers and sisters in the Sudan,” he added.
Over the past 15 years, Nigerian troops have played a prominent role in peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Now the country appears keen to intervene in Darfur on a major scale. The proposed two battalions of troops for Darfur would constitute three quarters of the planned 2,000-strong AU peacekeeping force for the troubled region.
A Nigerian army spokesman said the first company of troops was ready to leave for Darfur at short notice, but it would take longer to mobilise two full battalions of around 770 men each..
“We were ordered to prepare a company strength of soldiers, which is 120 troops for deployment to Sudan,” Colonel Emeka Onwuamaegbu, spokesman of the Nigerian Army Headquarters told IRIN. “At the moment, a company is ready to deploy as soon as we receive the order to move.”
Note, around the same time, the Sudanese External Minister, Dr Mustafa Ismail was in Nigeria to brief President Obasanjo, as the African Union (AU) Chairman, on the situation in his country and to assure Nigeria of his country's readiness to participate in the coming peace talks. Sudanese Foreign Minister, Dr. Mustafa Osman led a Sudanese delegation to Abuja Tuesday to firm up arrangements for the deployment of Nigerian troops in Darfur and prepare for next week's round of peace talks in the Nigerian capital. “We wish to assure you that we do not oppose the AU’s intervention, but we want a chance to put our views across”, Osman told reporters after a meeting with Obasanjo.
Today, the Nigerian Senate approved the request to send up to 1,500 Nigerian troops to Darfur to serve with an African Union (AU) protection force. Yay for Nigeria!
It was reported the Senate had approved Obasanjo’s request, based “on the need to arrest the ugly situation in Sudan which we find absolutely unacceptable.” Nigerian Senator stressed that only one company of about 120 Nigerian troops would be deployed initially to Darfur to serve alongside 155 Rwandan troops who are already there to protect AU ceasefire monitors. “But the president also made it clear that it might be necessary to increase the number of troops later and the Senate agreed with him,” he added.
Next Monday, August 23, Obasanjo, in his capacity as chairman of the AU, will host a fresh round of peace talks in the Nigerian capital Abuja between the Sudanese government and the two rebel movements in Darfur.
NIGERIA APPROVES 1,500 TROOPS TO SUDAN
To serve with African Union protection force in Darfur
Yesterday, it was reported that Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote a letter to the Nigerian Senate for permission to deploy Nigerian troops to Darfur. In the letter, President Obasanjo wrote: "I am requesting for approval to meet the request of the African Union to deploy one company of Nigerian troops as part of the protection force in Darfur. This approval should equally make allowance for the Nigerian contribution to be expanded as may be necessary to one battalion but not more than two battalions at the utmost."
“Given our pre-eminent place in the continent, the seriousness of the situation in Darfur, our historical contribution to peacemaking, peace building and reconciliation processes in Africa, this is one more chance for us to show leadership and provide hope to millions of our brothers and sisters in the Sudan,” he added.
Over the past 15 years, Nigerian troops have played a prominent role in peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Now the country appears keen to intervene in Darfur on a major scale. The proposed two battalions of troops for Darfur would constitute three quarters of the planned 2,000-strong AU peacekeeping force for the troubled region.
A Nigerian army spokesman said the first company of troops was ready to leave for Darfur at short notice, but it would take longer to mobilise two full battalions of around 770 men each..
“We were ordered to prepare a company strength of soldiers, which is 120 troops for deployment to Sudan,” Colonel Emeka Onwuamaegbu, spokesman of the Nigerian Army Headquarters told IRIN. “At the moment, a company is ready to deploy as soon as we receive the order to move.”
Note, around the same time, the Sudanese External Minister, Dr Mustafa Ismail was in Nigeria to brief President Obasanjo, as the African Union (AU) Chairman, on the situation in his country and to assure Nigeria of his country's readiness to participate in the coming peace talks. Sudanese Foreign Minister, Dr. Mustafa Osman led a Sudanese delegation to Abuja Tuesday to firm up arrangements for the deployment of Nigerian troops in Darfur and prepare for next week's round of peace talks in the Nigerian capital. “We wish to assure you that we do not oppose the AU’s intervention, but we want a chance to put our views across”, Osman told reporters after a meeting with Obasanjo.
Today, the Nigerian Senate approved the request to send up to 1,500 Nigerian troops to Darfur to serve with an African Union (AU) protection force. Yay for Nigeria!
It was reported the Senate had approved Obasanjo’s request, based “on the need to arrest the ugly situation in Sudan which we find absolutely unacceptable.” Nigerian Senator stressed that only one company of about 120 Nigerian troops would be deployed initially to Darfur to serve alongside 155 Rwandan troops who are already there to protect AU ceasefire monitors. “But the president also made it clear that it might be necessary to increase the number of troops later and the Senate agreed with him,” he added.
Next Monday, August 23, Obasanjo, in his capacity as chairman of the AU, will host a fresh round of peace talks in the Nigerian capital Abuja between the Sudanese government and the two rebel movements in Darfur.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/19/2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
INDIA TO SEND TROOPS TO SUDAN:
On UN Peacekeeping Mission - China to deploy 4,000 troops
Yesterday there were reports (see previous post here below) that China was deploying 4,000 of its troops to Sudan - not to provide humanitarian assistance but to guard its oil located adjacent to Darfur. If the report is true, it would be great of China to help the victims of Darfur, but seeing as the report made no mention of the U.N., it's probably just wishful thinking.
Here's a great surprise: today there is news that India proposes to send troops to Sudan under the UN Peacekeeping Mission. India has huge oil interests in Sudan and recently signed lucrative contracts to lay oil pipelines in Sudan. This week it was reported that India contributed aid, for the first time I believe. Wonder what took them so long. Better late than never. Yay for India! Hope the report is true. Sounds a lot different than what China is reportedly doing.
The news re India says that in response to a UN request, India has made a commitment to the UN to provide an infantry battalion group with support elements, an Air Force unit comprising of six utility helicopters and a Special Police Unit and individual police officers, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in a written reply.
He said troops are currently deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea and Democratic Republic of Congo -- and Indian police personnel are serving in the UN mission in Kosovo.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_955500,0008.htm
- - -
UK OXFAM SENDS VITAL AID TO DARFUR:
Sixth Oxfam flight leaves Britain with more flights in coming weeks
OXFAM sends vital aid to Darfur. This is the sixth Oxfam flight to leave Britain to help the people of Sudan and refugees in Chad and additional flights will be made over the coming weeks.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/109282582461.htm
- - -
NORWAY CONTRIBUTES EVEN MORE FOR DARFUR:
More support and NOK 100 million so far
Norway is doing real good and helping a lot behind the scenes. Apart from all the help and support it has provided, it has also contributed more than NOK 100 million to humanitarian efforts to assist the victims of Darfur.
The support has been provided through the UN, the Red Cross system and NGOs and includes cash, personnel and goods such as lorries, field hospitals, communications equipment and high-energy biscuits for malnourished and undernourished children.
- - -
UN HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS:
In place August 15 alongside AU ceasefire observers
In June Norway provided support for the deployment of observers from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. They will be in place on 15 August and will co-operate closely with African Union observers.
“It is important to find an African solution. The African Union’s leadership role in the Darfur process enjoys broad international support and is set out in UN Security Council resolution 1556 of 30 July 2004. The Norwegian Government is therefore determined to help ensure that the AU gets the resources it needs to carry out its mission,” said the Foreign Minister.
On UN Peacekeeping Mission - China to deploy 4,000 troops
Yesterday there were reports (see previous post here below) that China was deploying 4,000 of its troops to Sudan - not to provide humanitarian assistance but to guard its oil located adjacent to Darfur. If the report is true, it would be great of China to help the victims of Darfur, but seeing as the report made no mention of the U.N., it's probably just wishful thinking.
Here's a great surprise: today there is news that India proposes to send troops to Sudan under the UN Peacekeeping Mission. India has huge oil interests in Sudan and recently signed lucrative contracts to lay oil pipelines in Sudan. This week it was reported that India contributed aid, for the first time I believe. Wonder what took them so long. Better late than never. Yay for India! Hope the report is true. Sounds a lot different than what China is reportedly doing.
The news re India says that in response to a UN request, India has made a commitment to the UN to provide an infantry battalion group with support elements, an Air Force unit comprising of six utility helicopters and a Special Police Unit and individual police officers, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said in a written reply.
He said troops are currently deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea and Democratic Republic of Congo -- and Indian police personnel are serving in the UN mission in Kosovo.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_955500,0008.htm
- - -
UK OXFAM SENDS VITAL AID TO DARFUR:
Sixth Oxfam flight leaves Britain with more flights in coming weeks
OXFAM sends vital aid to Darfur. This is the sixth Oxfam flight to leave Britain to help the people of Sudan and refugees in Chad and additional flights will be made over the coming weeks.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/109282582461.htm
- - -
NORWAY CONTRIBUTES EVEN MORE FOR DARFUR:
More support and NOK 100 million so far
Norway is doing real good and helping a lot behind the scenes. Apart from all the help and support it has provided, it has also contributed more than NOK 100 million to humanitarian efforts to assist the victims of Darfur.
The support has been provided through the UN, the Red Cross system and NGOs and includes cash, personnel and goods such as lorries, field hospitals, communications equipment and high-energy biscuits for malnourished and undernourished children.
- - -
UN HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS:
In place August 15 alongside AU ceasefire observers
In June Norway provided support for the deployment of observers from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. They will be in place on 15 August and will co-operate closely with African Union observers.
“It is important to find an African solution. The African Union’s leadership role in the Darfur process enjoys broad international support and is set out in UN Security Council resolution 1556 of 30 July 2004. The Norwegian Government is therefore determined to help ensure that the AU gets the resources it needs to carry out its mission,” said the Foreign Minister.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/18/2004
- - -
OIL, CHINA AND GENOCIDE IN SUDAN AND SOUTH DARFUR:
USA and Sudan Peace Act -- And where are 4 million Darfuris?
Forthcoming posts I am working on, over the next week or so, relate to three of my previous posts:
(1) July 21, 2004: "THE ORIGINAL SUDAN PEACE ACT - A powerful tool for coercing Khartoum into stopping genocide? The more oil that's found, the worse the violence will become?"
(2) August 02, 2004: "OIL AND MINERAL RICHES IN DARFUR, Uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas: France is interested in Uranium and has drilling rights in Sudan"
(3) August 03, 2004: "SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES - Oil and conflict in Sudan".
Sorry, there is a problem publishing links in posts here at the moment - for a copy of above posts please click into July and August archive in right hand sidebar here.
Today, I found a map I'd been searching for that shows Hofrat En Nahas in South Darfur. Also, I found some stats on the population of Darfur that I'd been looking for because I haven't been able to work out where the people of Darfur are living right now.
Four months ago, when I started posting on the Sudan, I'd read somewhere the population of Darfur was estimated at 6 or 7 million. Since then, I've puzzled over UN and USAID statistics -- along with refugee numbers used in news reports. For instance, roughly speaking: 200,000 have fled from Darfur into Chad; 50,000 - 80,000 have been killed; and a total of 2.2 million have been "war-affected". What about the rest? Maybe they are still in Darfur? Or in the mountains and other areas? If that is the case, how are they managing for food and water? If the UN World Food Programme (WFP) says it managed to feed 1 million in July -- what about the other 1.2 million the UN refer to?
According to the UN website, the population numbers - in the year 2003 - for north, south and west Darfur - add up to a total of 6,360,000. But the Sudanese Embassy website puts the figure very much lower -- for the year 2004. In fact the numbers are so low (around one million) one can't be sure they've missed out some areas. Most odd that they'd updated the population numbers on their website for the year 2004. How did they arrive at those numbers? Is anyone questioning them?
It bothers me that that UN and news agencies keep reporting "200,000 displaced people from Darfur in Chad" because this figure seems to remain static on UN website and in news reports -- but in reality it should be ever changing (and increasing or decreasing) by the day. UN must know much more what is going on than they let on -- why, I wonder.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) say they have fed 1 million in July -- new figures coming out seem to put the "disaffected" at 2.2 million -- so where are the other 1.2 million people they are talking about? How does the UN arrive at its figures, and how does it know to separate 2.2 million from the total population of 6-7 million?
In other words, what is going on with the other 3-4 million people that are not mentioned in any news reports? Are they all in Darfur and making a living from the land? The figures the UN, USAID and other aid agencies use - which are perpetuated in news reports - are very unclear. I'm in the middle of reading an updated report by Dr Eric Reeves, who estimates 2,500 people a day are dying from the Darfur conflict and death toll over the past 18 months is 180,000 - and 2.3 to 2.5 million are "war affected" More on this in later post with links to Dr Reeves' report entitled "Darfur mortality update III", dated August 14, 2004.
- - -
Here are some excerpts from Dr Reeves' report (llinks to the report should be at passionofthepresent.org or darfurgenocide site:
-- the mid-July 2004 UN figure of 30,000-50,000 total deaths offered by Jan Egeland, Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, is untenably low, even as the previous figure of 10,000 deaths (the only UN number offered for mortality from March 2004 to July 2004) was also clearly untenably low.
--no explanation of methodology or the nature of the data has ever been offered by the UN in conjunction with these mortality estimates; deaths are not even generally categorized as a function of violence or disease and malnutrition.
--all this follows a pattern of both underestimation and belatedness that has marked UN efforts in the World Food Program, the World Health Organization, and the UN High Commission for Refugees.
--US Agency for International Development's "Projected Mortality Rates in Darfur, 2004-2005" suggests that over 2,500 people are now dying daily---mainly invisibly.
-- current "war-affected" population may reasonably be estimated at over 2.3 million.
--figure offered in a June 3, 2004 joint communiqué from the UN, the European Union, and the US was 2.2 million "war affected".
-- in the intervening 10 weeks, the rains have greatly intensified, logistical resources and transport capacity have proven ever more inadequate, and fewer than 1 million people received food from the World Food Program in July, though this represented a significant increase from June.
-- the most troubling part of any calculation of mortality and morbidity in Darfur is the unknown number of people who are neither in the camps, nor accessible by UN or humanitarian organizations. The World Food Program internal working figure for this population was 300,000 in July (confidential source), a number that is deliberately obscured in a World Food Program statement of August 11, 2004 indicating that access to insurgency-controlled areas of Darfur would increase by "tens of thousands" the number of people who might benefit (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks, August 12, 2004). The number is hundreds of thousands, as the World Food Program well knows---indeed, some on the ground in Darfur, or who have recently returned from Darfur, suggest that the number may be greater than 1 million. This deliberate "low-balling" (directly and indirectly) of numbers on the part of the World Food Program continues a disturbing pattern, and it is immensely dangerous.
--the "war-affected" population in Darfur: there can be little doubt that this figure is well over 2 million; it is very likely over 2.5 million.
--the figure of 2.2 million "war-affected persons" used in the joint communiqué of the UN, US, and the EU on June 3, 2004. (Significantly, the UN World Food Program [in the June 28, 2004 "90-Day Humanitarian Action Plan for Darfur"] commits to a figure of 2 million for food aid only in October 2004; this implies a highly dramatic shortfall in current response by the WFP.
-- there is growing evidence that the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator report considerably understates the number of people in critical need in areas to which there is no humanitarian access.
--it has seemed most reasonable to use an estimate, very likely conservative, of 2.3 million to 2.5 million, in determining the population that must figure in any calculation of mortality on the basis of US AID's "Projected Mortality Rates in Darfur, 2004-2005." This decision is justified in the views of several senior aid officials. [end of extract]
- - -
What is going on inside Darfur? How many people are still there? Surely the UN and intelligence agencies know what is going on: 50,000 or 180,000 deaths or more is a lot of bodies. Where are all the bodies? Why are there no photographs? Who is digging the graves?
From what I can gather, by reading various news reports, it would appear the rebels were holed up in Darfur all along -- and that Sudanese forces were either blocking them from getting out - or blocking the Janjaweed from getting in -- not sure which. During the past week, there were news reports that WFP negotiated with the Darfur rebels to get aid into Darfur (who was stopping it getting through in the first place?)
And, I've read a stray news report from last week that says 3,000 Sudanese forces have gathered along the border of Sudan (and Chad I believe) to patrol the area. What are they doing: blocking refugees, or Janjaweed, getting from Sudan into Chad?
Today, a Daily Star report says China has deployed 4,000 of its troops to guard its oil interests in Sudan.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=7398
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpts0815,0,3892931.story?coll=ny-opinion-headlines
If you look at the oil map (previous post above) and see Block 6, the Chinese concession: it looks like it extends into South Darfur. Will the Chinese troops be within South Darfur?
What a coincidence that Sudan - the largest country in the African continent - with land as far as the eye can see without a twig in sight - is having a whole load of trouble and 4,000 Chinese troops concentrated within one area involving Block 6 on the map of South Darfur (the same area I refer to above re Uranium discovery in Hofrat Al Nihas).
Note the Daily Star report about the 4,000 Chinese troops was not via a top news agency: it was authored by Gerald Butt, Gulf Editor of the Cyprus-based Middle East Economic Survey, who writes a regular economic analysis for The Daily Star. The report says it is from Nicosia in Cyprus (the Turks occupy half of Cyprus). The French are flying their Mirage jets around the Chad border, checking their 200 troops are OK. The West has all sorts of observers, monitors, aid workers, satellite surveillance, intelligence reports.... but why is there no real news out of Darfur? It is a very perplexing and deeply disturbing story. Yesterday, I was shocked to read the following, about the Sudan Peace Act:
Genocide in Sudan 1983 to present (...as of 2004) - excerpt:
"The US government's Sudan Peace Act of October 21, 2002 accused Sudan of genocide for killing more than 2 million civilians in the south during an ongoing civil war since 1983. Organised campaign by Janjaweed militias (nomadic Arab shepherds with the support of Sudanese government and troops) to rid 80 black African tribes from the Darfur region of western Sudan. Mukesh Kapila (United Nations humanitarian coordinator) is quoted as saying: "The vicious war in Darfur has led to violations on a scale comparable in character with Rwanda in 1994. All the warning signs are there."
Sudan Peace Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - excerpt:
"The Sudan Peace Act is a US law condemning Sudan for genocide. It was signed into law October 21, 2002 by President George W. Bush.
According to Nat Hentoff:
More than 2 million black, non-Muslim civilians in the South have died from an ongoing civil war since 1983 in that country. The United States now declares in a law that "the acts of the government of Sudan . . . constitute genocide as defined by the [1948 United Nations] Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide."
The northern National Islamic Front government in Khartoum has enslaved women and children in the south of Sudan; engaged in ethnic cleansing; bombed churches and schools; and prevented food from humanitarian agencies from reaching the black Christians and animists trying to withstand the armed "jihad" forces of the north."
- - -
CHINA offers more aid for Darfur:
Aug 17 - The Chinese government will offer another 5 million yuan (610,000 US dollars) worth of humanitarian aid Darfur.
NIGERIA plans mission to Darfur:
Aug 17 - Olusegun Obasanjo called for lawmakers to approve the deployment of up to 1,500 peacekeeping troops to Darfur.
SUDAN asks Libyan leader for help in Darfur:
Ismail gave Libyan leader Gadhafi a letter from al-Bashir in which the Sudanese president detailed the situation in Darfur.
Middle East Online - UK - Sudan asks Kadhafi to interfere in Darfur crisis - TRIPOLI - Sudan asked Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi Tuesday to "intervene personally" in the escalating crisis in Darfur, Libya's official JANA news agency.
SUDAN Says More Police to Shield Darfur Refugees:
Aug 17 - Sudan plans to double the number of police in Darfur to 20,000, the country's foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Aug 17 - China News says the Sudanese government said on Tuesday that it has deployed another 2,000 policemen in Darfur to secure the situation in the area under an agreement with the United Nations.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-08/18/content_1811761.htm
OM chief visits Sudan on Darfur crisis:
Aug 17 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday that its director general is traveling to Khartoum.
Algeria, Egypt and Libya tell Arab League they're ready to send armed troops to Darfur:
Aug 15 - Algeria, Egypt and Libya "informed the committee of Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo on August 8 to discuss Darfur that they would dispatch troops as part of the Africa Union contingent," said Samir Hosni, in charge of the Darfur issue at the League said.
Algeria's charge d'affaires in Cairo Menawer Rabiai told AFP he could not confirm this information.
During that meeting, the foreign ministers had called on countries belonging both to the African Union (AU) and the Arab League to contribute troops to the force tasked with protecting observers monitoring a ceasefire in Darfur.
http://www.sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=4745
OIL, CHINA AND GENOCIDE IN SUDAN AND SOUTH DARFUR:
USA and Sudan Peace Act -- And where are 4 million Darfuris?
Forthcoming posts I am working on, over the next week or so, relate to three of my previous posts:
(1) July 21, 2004: "THE ORIGINAL SUDAN PEACE ACT - A powerful tool for coercing Khartoum into stopping genocide? The more oil that's found, the worse the violence will become?"
(2) August 02, 2004: "OIL AND MINERAL RICHES IN DARFUR, Uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas: France is interested in Uranium and has drilling rights in Sudan"
(3) August 03, 2004: "SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES - Oil and conflict in Sudan".
Sorry, there is a problem publishing links in posts here at the moment - for a copy of above posts please click into July and August archive in right hand sidebar here.
Today, I found a map I'd been searching for that shows Hofrat En Nahas in South Darfur. Also, I found some stats on the population of Darfur that I'd been looking for because I haven't been able to work out where the people of Darfur are living right now.
Four months ago, when I started posting on the Sudan, I'd read somewhere the population of Darfur was estimated at 6 or 7 million. Since then, I've puzzled over UN and USAID statistics -- along with refugee numbers used in news reports. For instance, roughly speaking: 200,000 have fled from Darfur into Chad; 50,000 - 80,000 have been killed; and a total of 2.2 million have been "war-affected". What about the rest? Maybe they are still in Darfur? Or in the mountains and other areas? If that is the case, how are they managing for food and water? If the UN World Food Programme (WFP) says it managed to feed 1 million in July -- what about the other 1.2 million the UN refer to?
According to the UN website, the population numbers - in the year 2003 - for north, south and west Darfur - add up to a total of 6,360,000. But the Sudanese Embassy website puts the figure very much lower -- for the year 2004. In fact the numbers are so low (around one million) one can't be sure they've missed out some areas. Most odd that they'd updated the population numbers on their website for the year 2004. How did they arrive at those numbers? Is anyone questioning them?
It bothers me that that UN and news agencies keep reporting "200,000 displaced people from Darfur in Chad" because this figure seems to remain static on UN website and in news reports -- but in reality it should be ever changing (and increasing or decreasing) by the day. UN must know much more what is going on than they let on -- why, I wonder.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) say they have fed 1 million in July -- new figures coming out seem to put the "disaffected" at 2.2 million -- so where are the other 1.2 million people they are talking about? How does the UN arrive at its figures, and how does it know to separate 2.2 million from the total population of 6-7 million?
In other words, what is going on with the other 3-4 million people that are not mentioned in any news reports? Are they all in Darfur and making a living from the land? The figures the UN, USAID and other aid agencies use - which are perpetuated in news reports - are very unclear. I'm in the middle of reading an updated report by Dr Eric Reeves, who estimates 2,500 people a day are dying from the Darfur conflict and death toll over the past 18 months is 180,000 - and 2.3 to 2.5 million are "war affected" More on this in later post with links to Dr Reeves' report entitled "Darfur mortality update III", dated August 14, 2004.
- - -
Here are some excerpts from Dr Reeves' report (llinks to the report should be at passionofthepresent.org or darfurgenocide site:
-- the mid-July 2004 UN figure of 30,000-50,000 total deaths offered by Jan Egeland, Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, is untenably low, even as the previous figure of 10,000 deaths (the only UN number offered for mortality from March 2004 to July 2004) was also clearly untenably low.
--no explanation of methodology or the nature of the data has ever been offered by the UN in conjunction with these mortality estimates; deaths are not even generally categorized as a function of violence or disease and malnutrition.
--all this follows a pattern of both underestimation and belatedness that has marked UN efforts in the World Food Program, the World Health Organization, and the UN High Commission for Refugees.
--US Agency for International Development's "Projected Mortality Rates in Darfur, 2004-2005" suggests that over 2,500 people are now dying daily---mainly invisibly.
-- current "war-affected" population may reasonably be estimated at over 2.3 million.
--figure offered in a June 3, 2004 joint communiqué from the UN, the European Union, and the US was 2.2 million "war affected".
-- in the intervening 10 weeks, the rains have greatly intensified, logistical resources and transport capacity have proven ever more inadequate, and fewer than 1 million people received food from the World Food Program in July, though this represented a significant increase from June.
-- the most troubling part of any calculation of mortality and morbidity in Darfur is the unknown number of people who are neither in the camps, nor accessible by UN or humanitarian organizations. The World Food Program internal working figure for this population was 300,000 in July (confidential source), a number that is deliberately obscured in a World Food Program statement of August 11, 2004 indicating that access to insurgency-controlled areas of Darfur would increase by "tens of thousands" the number of people who might benefit (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks, August 12, 2004). The number is hundreds of thousands, as the World Food Program well knows---indeed, some on the ground in Darfur, or who have recently returned from Darfur, suggest that the number may be greater than 1 million. This deliberate "low-balling" (directly and indirectly) of numbers on the part of the World Food Program continues a disturbing pattern, and it is immensely dangerous.
--the "war-affected" population in Darfur: there can be little doubt that this figure is well over 2 million; it is very likely over 2.5 million.
--the figure of 2.2 million "war-affected persons" used in the joint communiqué of the UN, US, and the EU on June 3, 2004. (Significantly, the UN World Food Program [in the June 28, 2004 "90-Day Humanitarian Action Plan for Darfur"] commits to a figure of 2 million for food aid only in October 2004; this implies a highly dramatic shortfall in current response by the WFP.
-- there is growing evidence that the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator report considerably understates the number of people in critical need in areas to which there is no humanitarian access.
--it has seemed most reasonable to use an estimate, very likely conservative, of 2.3 million to 2.5 million, in determining the population that must figure in any calculation of mortality on the basis of US AID's "Projected Mortality Rates in Darfur, 2004-2005." This decision is justified in the views of several senior aid officials. [end of extract]
- - -
What is going on inside Darfur? How many people are still there? Surely the UN and intelligence agencies know what is going on: 50,000 or 180,000 deaths or more is a lot of bodies. Where are all the bodies? Why are there no photographs? Who is digging the graves?
From what I can gather, by reading various news reports, it would appear the rebels were holed up in Darfur all along -- and that Sudanese forces were either blocking them from getting out - or blocking the Janjaweed from getting in -- not sure which. During the past week, there were news reports that WFP negotiated with the Darfur rebels to get aid into Darfur (who was stopping it getting through in the first place?)
And, I've read a stray news report from last week that says 3,000 Sudanese forces have gathered along the border of Sudan (and Chad I believe) to patrol the area. What are they doing: blocking refugees, or Janjaweed, getting from Sudan into Chad?
Today, a Daily Star report says China has deployed 4,000 of its troops to guard its oil interests in Sudan.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=7398
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpts0815,0,3892931.story?coll=ny-opinion-headlines
If you look at the oil map (previous post above) and see Block 6, the Chinese concession: it looks like it extends into South Darfur. Will the Chinese troops be within South Darfur?
What a coincidence that Sudan - the largest country in the African continent - with land as far as the eye can see without a twig in sight - is having a whole load of trouble and 4,000 Chinese troops concentrated within one area involving Block 6 on the map of South Darfur (the same area I refer to above re Uranium discovery in Hofrat Al Nihas).
Note the Daily Star report about the 4,000 Chinese troops was not via a top news agency: it was authored by Gerald Butt, Gulf Editor of the Cyprus-based Middle East Economic Survey, who writes a regular economic analysis for The Daily Star. The report says it is from Nicosia in Cyprus (the Turks occupy half of Cyprus). The French are flying their Mirage jets around the Chad border, checking their 200 troops are OK. The West has all sorts of observers, monitors, aid workers, satellite surveillance, intelligence reports.... but why is there no real news out of Darfur? It is a very perplexing and deeply disturbing story. Yesterday, I was shocked to read the following, about the Sudan Peace Act:
Genocide in Sudan 1983 to present (...as of 2004) - excerpt:
"The US government's Sudan Peace Act of October 21, 2002 accused Sudan of genocide for killing more than 2 million civilians in the south during an ongoing civil war since 1983. Organised campaign by Janjaweed militias (nomadic Arab shepherds with the support of Sudanese government and troops) to rid 80 black African tribes from the Darfur region of western Sudan. Mukesh Kapila (United Nations humanitarian coordinator) is quoted as saying: "The vicious war in Darfur has led to violations on a scale comparable in character with Rwanda in 1994. All the warning signs are there."
Sudan Peace Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - excerpt:
"The Sudan Peace Act is a US law condemning Sudan for genocide. It was signed into law October 21, 2002 by President George W. Bush.
According to Nat Hentoff:
More than 2 million black, non-Muslim civilians in the South have died from an ongoing civil war since 1983 in that country. The United States now declares in a law that "the acts of the government of Sudan . . . constitute genocide as defined by the [1948 United Nations] Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide."
The northern National Islamic Front government in Khartoum has enslaved women and children in the south of Sudan; engaged in ethnic cleansing; bombed churches and schools; and prevented food from humanitarian agencies from reaching the black Christians and animists trying to withstand the armed "jihad" forces of the north."
- - -
CHINA offers more aid for Darfur:
Aug 17 - The Chinese government will offer another 5 million yuan (610,000 US dollars) worth of humanitarian aid Darfur.
NIGERIA plans mission to Darfur:
Aug 17 - Olusegun Obasanjo called for lawmakers to approve the deployment of up to 1,500 peacekeeping troops to Darfur.
SUDAN asks Libyan leader for help in Darfur:
Ismail gave Libyan leader Gadhafi a letter from al-Bashir in which the Sudanese president detailed the situation in Darfur.
Middle East Online - UK - Sudan asks Kadhafi to interfere in Darfur crisis - TRIPOLI - Sudan asked Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi Tuesday to "intervene personally" in the escalating crisis in Darfur, Libya's official JANA news agency.
SUDAN Says More Police to Shield Darfur Refugees:
Aug 17 - Sudan plans to double the number of police in Darfur to 20,000, the country's foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Aug 17 - China News says the Sudanese government said on Tuesday that it has deployed another 2,000 policemen in Darfur to secure the situation in the area under an agreement with the United Nations.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-08/18/content_1811761.htm
OM chief visits Sudan on Darfur crisis:
Aug 17 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday that its director general is traveling to Khartoum.
Algeria, Egypt and Libya tell Arab League they're ready to send armed troops to Darfur:
Aug 15 - Algeria, Egypt and Libya "informed the committee of Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo on August 8 to discuss Darfur that they would dispatch troops as part of the Africa Union contingent," said Samir Hosni, in charge of the Darfur issue at the League said.
Algeria's charge d'affaires in Cairo Menawer Rabiai told AFP he could not confirm this information.
During that meeting, the foreign ministers had called on countries belonging both to the African Union (AU) and the Arab League to contribute troops to the force tasked with protecting observers monitoring a ceasefire in Darfur.
http://www.sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=4745
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/18/2004
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
MAC SAFARI BROWSER PROBLEM? BUG OR VIRUS?
Having trouble capturing site URLs for linking here
Today, when I capture the URL from a site, for linking within a post here, I get a whole string of 20% characters inbetween the name - for instance the link to BBC news homepage turns out looking like this:
http%3A//news.bbc.co.uk %0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20News%20Front%20Page
I'm pasting the full link to the BBC news homepage here below so I can see how it looks when I publish. I use a PowerBook G4 and have emptied my Safari browser cache - reset it - cleared history but it is still happening. Apple tech support is closed until tomorrow morning. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Is it a bug or a virus? I've been digging around some iffy sites in Sudan today and wouldn't be surprised if they have something to do with it. Sudan News Agency made a blogmates computer crash - and made mine go haywire last week. Comments or email would be most appreciated. Thanks.
%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20News%20Front%20Page
Update:
Well, as you can see - the link is live but does not lead to the BBC news homepage - it leads to a Blogger page. I use "Bog this!" tool to capture the links - could it be something wrong with the Blogger tool? Does anyone have any ideas - should I email Blogger? I can't publish any links here until it's sorted -- curiously, I am writing a story that looks into my question about the millions of people that seem to be missing in the stats on Darfur -- along with another story about China/oil/minerals in South Darfur... but I can't post the links to share with you what I've found. Spooky ;-)
Having trouble capturing site URLs for linking here
Today, when I capture the URL from a site, for linking within a post here, I get a whole string of 20% characters inbetween the name - for instance the link to BBC news homepage turns out looking like this:
http%3A//news.bbc.co.uk %0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20News%20Front%20Page
I'm pasting the full link to the BBC news homepage here below so I can see how it looks when I publish. I use a PowerBook G4 and have emptied my Safari browser cache - reset it - cleared history but it is still happening. Apple tech support is closed until tomorrow morning. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Is it a bug or a virus? I've been digging around some iffy sites in Sudan today and wouldn't be surprised if they have something to do with it. Sudan News Agency made a blogmates computer crash - and made mine go haywire last week. Comments or email would be most appreciated. Thanks.
%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20News%20Front%20Page
Update:
Well, as you can see - the link is live but does not lead to the BBC news homepage - it leads to a Blogger page. I use "Bog this!" tool to capture the links - could it be something wrong with the Blogger tool? Does anyone have any ideas - should I email Blogger? I can't publish any links here until it's sorted -- curiously, I am writing a story that looks into my question about the millions of people that seem to be missing in the stats on Darfur -- along with another story about China/oil/minerals in South Darfur... but I can't post the links to share with you what I've found. Spooky ;-)
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/17/2004
Sunday, August 15, 2004
MUST-READ REPORT ON SUDAN BY BRITISH MP
John Bercow, international development spokesman for the Conservatives
Here is a must-read report by John Bercow, international development spokesman for the Conservatives. The report entitled "Ministers are on holiday - Murderers are not" is dated August 15, 2004, and should be compulsory reading for all.
Not only does it give us something to hang on to and quote from but it also helps the UK government's cause - bearing in mind that many politicians and voters (mainly from within Labour) villified Tony Blair instead of Saddam Hussein. And, considering how the media went into apopletic overdrive on Iraq, it's only natural the Government is not making a show of flying the Union flag while helping the victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Sudan.
Seems the UK is carrying out a lot of work and diplomacy behind the scenes, involving its own military intelligence, the EU, UN and aid agencies. I wouldn't be surprised if it is taking a leading role because of its expertise in that region. France and Germany are working hard to help. Norway and Netherlands are very helpful. So too are Libya, Yemen and South Africa. Big Commonwealth countries will provide back up if needed. And news today (see below in previous post) of the 30-strong British military team, back from 10 days in the Sudan, proves the UK is doing everything it can to help. British donors have been fantastic in raising tens of millions of pounds, relief agencies have delivered several plane loads of aid and carried out a huge amount of work in the field. The UK is the second largest cash donor of aid for Darfur.
As one cannot disagree with a single word of Mr Bercow's report, because it is so accurate, I would implore any blogger, no matter what their political persuasion, to please read the report and pass it on.
Note the poignant closing lines: "It would be the most shaming scandal in modern times if controversy about the basis of war in Iraq stopped the free world doing its humanitarian duty to protect the people of Darfur. They need our protection. There is not a moment to lose."
Here is the report, in full:
The former United Nations co-ordinator on humanitarian affairs for Sudan described the situation in Darfur as the "worst humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in the world". From the mass of television pictures and newspaper column inches over the past few weeks, people can now see why.
Visiting the refugee camps last month was one of the most miserable experiences of my adult life. Over one million people, forced out of their homes, struggle to exist in conditions that range from grim to desperate. A feeble hut, held together by pieces of string, or plastic sheets, was typically home to eight or more people. Aid from the World Food Programme, when it gets through, is the lifeline for the destitute people of Darfur. Yet I met many people who had been in their camp for a fortnight, but had not yet been registered. As a result, they had received no food. Part of the problem was the sheer demand created by the doubling of camp numbers in only four weeks. Primary healthcare was at best patchy and at worst next to non-existent. With the onset of the rainy season, there is a danger that cholera, typhoid and other diseases will spread like wildfire, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
This human tragedy is not an accident. It is the result of a systematic and evil campaign cooked up by the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed militia. Aerial bombing, mass shooting, widespread rape, theft of livestock, destruction of crops and poisoning of water supplies are all part of the cocktail of barbarity that has stunned the world. Perhaps most sickening of all are reports of people being chained together and burned alive. So despicable and horrifying have been the atrocities, that they have provoked the ire of the African Union - a body that saw no evil during the last elections in Zimbabwe.
Among Conservatives, I have been more outspoken than most in paying tribute to the courage and statesmanship that Tony Blair displayed over Iraq. I admire his doctrine of humanitarian intervention. What is more, I had every reason to hope that he would apply it to Darfur. After all, he said in 2001 that if ever a repeat of Rwanda was threatened, Britain would have a moral duty to react. It is, and we have. Yet what has happened?
On 21 July the Prime Minister told the House of Commons that the situation in Darfur had his full attention and that he was "in contact with other ministers on it literally every day". Yet earlier this week The Independent quoted the Prime Minister's spokesman say-ing that Darfur "is an issue which is being discussed, but I am not aware of any meetings". As opposition spokesman on international development, I wrote to the Prime Minister about this crisis on 22 July and I was promised a reply from the Foreign Office. Three weeks later, none has arrived. The silence is deafening. Ministers are entitled to their holidays, but the victims of wanton savagery in Darfur cannot wait for them to return. It is time that the Government got a grip and set out what it thinks should happen if the situation does not dramatically improve in Darfur in days.
After months of shameful procrastination and dithering, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1556 on 30 July. Despite the squeals of protest from the Sudanese government, the text was hardly a ringing declaration of robust intent. It left many representatives of non-governmental organisations who have witnessed the unspeakable barbarity on the ground and the intensifying crisis from shortages of food, medicine and shelter, less than sanguine. They saw it as the lowest common denominator between countries wanting to do a lot, others little and many nothing at all to stop the death toll. The resolution urges the Khartoum government to disarm the Janjaweed within 30 days, allow an independent investigation into human rights violations and establish peace with rebel forces in Darfur. It does not specify sanctions if these conditions are not met, but coyly expresses the intention of the Security Council "to consider further actions". Moreover, it does not deliver a 30-day ultimatum to the regime but merely mandates the Secretary-General to report back on progress, or the lack of it, on a monthly basis.
How many people will perish while this diplomatic rain dance takes place is any-body's guess. With up to a thousand people a day dying at present, every month without effective action means that the descent into genocide will be as rapid as it is disgraceful.
I do not have the slightest expectation that the situation in Darfur will be better on 29 August than it was on 30 July. After all, the Sudanese government is in denial about the fact of the atrocities, the scale of the atrocities and its collaboration with the Janjaweed in the commission of the atrocities. Its claim to be restoring normality, and merely needing a little more time to do so, is nonsense on stilts and a cynical delaying tactic by those content to see ethnic cleansing well advanced before an international finger is lifted to stop it.
What is to be done? If my worst fears are confirmed, the UN should agree to send an international peace-keeping force. If it is to be an African Union operation, Western nations must provide funding, logistics and electronic communications. The alternative would be to send either an EU or a UN force. Its purpose? To allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, provide security for those in refugee camps and to enforce a ceasefire.
It would be the most shaming scandal in modern times if controversy about the basis of war in Iraq stopped the free world doing its humanitarian duty to protect the people of Darfur. They need our protection. There is not a moment to lose. [end]
- - -
Note, I am pinging here - via Technorati - as many British MPs who are bloggers that I can find, along with British bloggers who are interested in and active in British politics and journalism. (It is late at night now and I have managed only three links so far but will add the rest here tomorrow).
Clive Soley MP
Tom Watson MP
Richard Allan MP
John Bercow, international development spokesman for the Conservatives
Here is a must-read report by John Bercow, international development spokesman for the Conservatives. The report entitled "Ministers are on holiday - Murderers are not" is dated August 15, 2004, and should be compulsory reading for all.
Not only does it give us something to hang on to and quote from but it also helps the UK government's cause - bearing in mind that many politicians and voters (mainly from within Labour) villified Tony Blair instead of Saddam Hussein. And, considering how the media went into apopletic overdrive on Iraq, it's only natural the Government is not making a show of flying the Union flag while helping the victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Sudan.
Seems the UK is carrying out a lot of work and diplomacy behind the scenes, involving its own military intelligence, the EU, UN and aid agencies. I wouldn't be surprised if it is taking a leading role because of its expertise in that region. France and Germany are working hard to help. Norway and Netherlands are very helpful. So too are Libya, Yemen and South Africa. Big Commonwealth countries will provide back up if needed. And news today (see below in previous post) of the 30-strong British military team, back from 10 days in the Sudan, proves the UK is doing everything it can to help. British donors have been fantastic in raising tens of millions of pounds, relief agencies have delivered several plane loads of aid and carried out a huge amount of work in the field. The UK is the second largest cash donor of aid for Darfur.
As one cannot disagree with a single word of Mr Bercow's report, because it is so accurate, I would implore any blogger, no matter what their political persuasion, to please read the report and pass it on.
Note the poignant closing lines: "It would be the most shaming scandal in modern times if controversy about the basis of war in Iraq stopped the free world doing its humanitarian duty to protect the people of Darfur. They need our protection. There is not a moment to lose."
Here is the report, in full:
The former United Nations co-ordinator on humanitarian affairs for Sudan described the situation in Darfur as the "worst humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in the world". From the mass of television pictures and newspaper column inches over the past few weeks, people can now see why.
Visiting the refugee camps last month was one of the most miserable experiences of my adult life. Over one million people, forced out of their homes, struggle to exist in conditions that range from grim to desperate. A feeble hut, held together by pieces of string, or plastic sheets, was typically home to eight or more people. Aid from the World Food Programme, when it gets through, is the lifeline for the destitute people of Darfur. Yet I met many people who had been in their camp for a fortnight, but had not yet been registered. As a result, they had received no food. Part of the problem was the sheer demand created by the doubling of camp numbers in only four weeks. Primary healthcare was at best patchy and at worst next to non-existent. With the onset of the rainy season, there is a danger that cholera, typhoid and other diseases will spread like wildfire, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
This human tragedy is not an accident. It is the result of a systematic and evil campaign cooked up by the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed militia. Aerial bombing, mass shooting, widespread rape, theft of livestock, destruction of crops and poisoning of water supplies are all part of the cocktail of barbarity that has stunned the world. Perhaps most sickening of all are reports of people being chained together and burned alive. So despicable and horrifying have been the atrocities, that they have provoked the ire of the African Union - a body that saw no evil during the last elections in Zimbabwe.
Among Conservatives, I have been more outspoken than most in paying tribute to the courage and statesmanship that Tony Blair displayed over Iraq. I admire his doctrine of humanitarian intervention. What is more, I had every reason to hope that he would apply it to Darfur. After all, he said in 2001 that if ever a repeat of Rwanda was threatened, Britain would have a moral duty to react. It is, and we have. Yet what has happened?
On 21 July the Prime Minister told the House of Commons that the situation in Darfur had his full attention and that he was "in contact with other ministers on it literally every day". Yet earlier this week The Independent quoted the Prime Minister's spokesman say-ing that Darfur "is an issue which is being discussed, but I am not aware of any meetings". As opposition spokesman on international development, I wrote to the Prime Minister about this crisis on 22 July and I was promised a reply from the Foreign Office. Three weeks later, none has arrived. The silence is deafening. Ministers are entitled to their holidays, but the victims of wanton savagery in Darfur cannot wait for them to return. It is time that the Government got a grip and set out what it thinks should happen if the situation does not dramatically improve in Darfur in days.
After months of shameful procrastination and dithering, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1556 on 30 July. Despite the squeals of protest from the Sudanese government, the text was hardly a ringing declaration of robust intent. It left many representatives of non-governmental organisations who have witnessed the unspeakable barbarity on the ground and the intensifying crisis from shortages of food, medicine and shelter, less than sanguine. They saw it as the lowest common denominator between countries wanting to do a lot, others little and many nothing at all to stop the death toll. The resolution urges the Khartoum government to disarm the Janjaweed within 30 days, allow an independent investigation into human rights violations and establish peace with rebel forces in Darfur. It does not specify sanctions if these conditions are not met, but coyly expresses the intention of the Security Council "to consider further actions". Moreover, it does not deliver a 30-day ultimatum to the regime but merely mandates the Secretary-General to report back on progress, or the lack of it, on a monthly basis.
How many people will perish while this diplomatic rain dance takes place is any-body's guess. With up to a thousand people a day dying at present, every month without effective action means that the descent into genocide will be as rapid as it is disgraceful.
I do not have the slightest expectation that the situation in Darfur will be better on 29 August than it was on 30 July. After all, the Sudanese government is in denial about the fact of the atrocities, the scale of the atrocities and its collaboration with the Janjaweed in the commission of the atrocities. Its claim to be restoring normality, and merely needing a little more time to do so, is nonsense on stilts and a cynical delaying tactic by those content to see ethnic cleansing well advanced before an international finger is lifted to stop it.
What is to be done? If my worst fears are confirmed, the UN should agree to send an international peace-keeping force. If it is to be an African Union operation, Western nations must provide funding, logistics and electronic communications. The alternative would be to send either an EU or a UN force. Its purpose? To allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, provide security for those in refugee camps and to enforce a ceasefire.
It would be the most shaming scandal in modern times if controversy about the basis of war in Iraq stopped the free world doing its humanitarian duty to protect the people of Darfur. They need our protection. There is not a moment to lose. [end]
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Note, I am pinging here - via Technorati - as many British MPs who are bloggers that I can find, along with British bloggers who are interested in and active in British politics and journalism. (It is late at night now and I have managed only three links so far but will add the rest here tomorrow).
Clive Soley MP
Tom Watson MP
Richard Allan MP
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/15/2004
Saturday, August 14, 2004
FIRST AU TROOPS HEAD TO DARFUR
Rwandan troops sing and dance in Camp Kanombe in Kigali prior to flying to Darfur
Report from Kigali - The first dozen Rwandan soldiers of a 300-strong African Union protection force left Kigali on Saturday for Sudan's troubled region of Darfur, a Rwandan army spokesman said.
"Twelve soldiers have already left with the equipment. We are expecting the others to leave tomorrow (Sunday) morning," Colonel Patrick Karegeya told reporters.
The troops left with armoured vehicles, he said.
Doesn't this picture bring a lump to your throat? It's of Rwandan troops singing and dancing in Camp Kanombe in Kigali prior to flying to Sudan's Darfur. It made me cry. God bless them. Especially because they are from Rwanda. It's just so fitting. The soldiers in the picture must have been just teenagers when 800,000 were slaughtered in Rwanda - just ten years ago - while the world looked on.
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U.N. report via Reuters today: Sudanese police officers sent to restore security in Darfur are sexually exploiting displaced women. "IDPs (Internally Displaced People) report increasing incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation in Abu Shouk Camp near el-Fasher committed by police officers," said the U.N. humanitarian situation report received by Reuters Saturday. The report also said some of the police officers had threatened women looking for firewood with violence if they did not comply with their demands.
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Update BBC Aug 14 report excerpt re Rwandan troops heading to Sudan over the weekend to protect African Union (AU) ceasefire monitors in Darfur:
"President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the 150 troops would use force if necessary to protect Sudanese civilians. UN special envoy Jan Pronk said the deployment of 2,500 AU peacekeepers is being considered.
"If it was established that the civilians are in danger then our forces will certainly intervene and use force to protect civilians," Mr Kagame is quoted as saying by the Associated Press. He said Rwandan forces would not stand by and watch innocent civilians being hacked to death, referring to the UN troops unable to intervene as the 1994 genocide unfolded in the country. "In my view it does not make sense to give security to peace observers while the local population is left to die," he told reporters at a military base.
Mr Pronk welcomed the forthcoming arrival of the monitoring team in Darfur and said he wanted many more African observers. "The more people we have on the ground the greater the possibility to build the confidence of the local population," he told the BBC. He said that progress had been made in talks with the Sudanese government about the establishment of 20km wide safe areas around giant refugee camps in Darfur.
Under the proposal, which is expected to be finalised in the coming days, neither soldiers nor the pro-government Janjaweed militia would be able to carry weapons of any kind in these areas. Despite the progress in Khartoum, Mr Pronk acknowledged that fighting was continuing in Darfur, with Janjaweed fighters ignoring official instructions to end attacks.
Peace talks due to take place in Abuja on 23 August between all parties in the conflict - the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups - will go ahead, Mr Pronk said, despite uncertainty about whether the rebel groups will attend."
Rwandan troops sing and dance in Camp Kanombe in Kigali prior to flying to Darfur
Report from Kigali - The first dozen Rwandan soldiers of a 300-strong African Union protection force left Kigali on Saturday for Sudan's troubled region of Darfur, a Rwandan army spokesman said.
"Twelve soldiers have already left with the equipment. We are expecting the others to leave tomorrow (Sunday) morning," Colonel Patrick Karegeya told reporters.
The troops left with armoured vehicles, he said.
Doesn't this picture bring a lump to your throat? It's of Rwandan troops singing and dancing in Camp Kanombe in Kigali prior to flying to Sudan's Darfur. It made me cry. God bless them. Especially because they are from Rwanda. It's just so fitting. The soldiers in the picture must have been just teenagers when 800,000 were slaughtered in Rwanda - just ten years ago - while the world looked on.
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U.N. report via Reuters today: Sudanese police officers sent to restore security in Darfur are sexually exploiting displaced women. "IDPs (Internally Displaced People) report increasing incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation in Abu Shouk Camp near el-Fasher committed by police officers," said the U.N. humanitarian situation report received by Reuters Saturday. The report also said some of the police officers had threatened women looking for firewood with violence if they did not comply with their demands.
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Update BBC Aug 14 report excerpt re Rwandan troops heading to Sudan over the weekend to protect African Union (AU) ceasefire monitors in Darfur:
"President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the 150 troops would use force if necessary to protect Sudanese civilians. UN special envoy Jan Pronk said the deployment of 2,500 AU peacekeepers is being considered.
"If it was established that the civilians are in danger then our forces will certainly intervene and use force to protect civilians," Mr Kagame is quoted as saying by the Associated Press. He said Rwandan forces would not stand by and watch innocent civilians being hacked to death, referring to the UN troops unable to intervene as the 1994 genocide unfolded in the country. "In my view it does not make sense to give security to peace observers while the local population is left to die," he told reporters at a military base.
Mr Pronk welcomed the forthcoming arrival of the monitoring team in Darfur and said he wanted many more African observers. "The more people we have on the ground the greater the possibility to build the confidence of the local population," he told the BBC. He said that progress had been made in talks with the Sudanese government about the establishment of 20km wide safe areas around giant refugee camps in Darfur.
Under the proposal, which is expected to be finalised in the coming days, neither soldiers nor the pro-government Janjaweed militia would be able to carry weapons of any kind in these areas. Despite the progress in Khartoum, Mr Pronk acknowledged that fighting was continuing in Darfur, with Janjaweed fighters ignoring official instructions to end attacks.
Peace talks due to take place in Abuja on 23 August between all parties in the conflict - the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups - will go ahead, Mr Pronk said, despite uncertainty about whether the rebel groups will attend."
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/14/2004
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STATES THAT FAIL TO PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THEIR OWN CITIZENS SHOULD FORFEIT THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT TO NON-INTERFERENCE IN THEIR INTERNAL AFFAIRS - Only a transfer of power to the U.N. General Assembly will end this misery
This morning, I felt uplifted to read David Clark's report, entitled "In Darfur, the UN veto is proving as deadly as the gun", in today's Guardian because he so brilliantly puts into words what I was trying to articulate in my last few posts here -- about the Obligations and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I've not read of such ideas anywhere else -- so I am relieved to see that I am not alone in my thinking. Clive Soley MP seems to be the only blogger in Britain (that I can find) with political influence who cares to write about the Sudan and failing states and write important papers on the subject.
Having said that though, I must credit Labour MP Tom Watson for responding positively to a comment I left at his blog on June 26, in support of no fly zones over Darfur. Tom is the first British MP to get blogging, he posts almost daily at his award winning blog that covers all sorts of local, national and global issues. Here's hoping Tom will use his talents to focus attention on the problems of a toothless U.N.
The U.N. is a hugely costly organisation that renders its 191 members impotent when it comes to any of them wanting to intervene with humanitarian assistance in countries where genocide and ethnic cleansing are happening. After Rwanda, the West said, never again. Here we are again, ten years later, and all world can do is use its techology to watch and talk about genocide and ethnic cleansing unfolding in slow motion like a horrofic movie. The fact that an unelected dictatorship in Sudan can preside for 15 years over the slaughter of two million Sudanese while rejecting offers of help to provide a safe corridor for humanitarian assistance is, in itself, a crime against humanity.
Please read David Clark's report in full -- it's like he has read my mind and is writing what I am thinking a thousand times more better than I can articulate. He says:
"States that fail to protect the human rights of their own citizens forfeit the sovereign right to non-interference in their internal affairs. Without that principle, the universal declaration of human rights isn't worth the paper it's written on."
PLUS he confirms what can be done about it:
"Only a transfer of power to the general assembly will end this misery"
Here is the report, copied in full:
Today marks the halfway point in the UN security council's 30-day ultimatum to the government of Sudan to disarm the Janjaweed militias, responsible for what is commonly described as the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Already it is apparent that the response of the Islamist regime will be to continue bluffing it out with protests of injured innocence in the hope that the international community eventually gives up and loses interest.
Daily reports of attacks against civilians continue to come in from across Darfur; 30,000 people are said to have fled in the latest round of violence. But far from restraining the militias, the government is providing continued military support for their campaign of ethnic terror. In the past week the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that helicopter gunships had again been used in attacks; and the traumatised victims of earlier atrocities, crammed into refugee camps, continue to suffer violent assaults by the Janjaweed, often under the nose of Sudanese troops supposed to protect them. This is not a little local difficulty; it is a war waged by the government against its people.
To the extent that the authorities have acted at all, it has been to cover up evidence of what is happening. Instead of being disarmed and disbanded, the militias are being integrated into the security forces where they will be less conspicuous. Refugees are being pressured to return to their villages with threats of violence or offers of desperately needed food, only to become victims once again. Those who speak to international observers are being rounded up and imprisoned, according to Amnesty International. And aid workers attempting to get supplies to those most at risk from malnutrition and disease are reporting new government-imposed restrictions on their operations. Everything that is being done is a calculated play for time.
The reaction of the Khartoum regime is scarcely surprising. Little of what the international community has done suggests that the political will exists for any meaningful intervention. The watering down of security council resolution 1556, as a result of pressure from several states, will not have been lost on Sudan's rulers. While the original draft contained an explicit threat of sanctions, the final version did little more than vaguely promise to "consider further actions" in the event of non-compliance. This will have been interpreted, correctly, as a sign of weakness and an indication that little is likely to be done when the UN deadline expires.
Those of the "nothing must be done" persuasion dismiss outside intervention as irresponsible or malevolent, and probably both. Not one of them has suggested a credible way for this hopelessly one-sided conflict to be resolved except for it to run its bloody course. They are entitled to their position, but they are not entitled to deny its human consequences.
Splitting hairs over the definition of genocide or quibbling over how many thousands have been killed doesn't alter the fact that serious crimes against humanity are being committed with every passing day. Nor does the argument that the militias are beyond Khartoum's control. Disputes about whether the regime is orchestrating the violence or has simply lost control of events are unimportant when set against the suffering in Darfur. States that fail to protect the human rights of their own citizens forfeit the sovereign right to non-interference in their internal affairs. Without that principle, the universal declaration of human rights isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Unfortunately, as Darfur illustrates, the UN system is singularly ill-suited to upholding its own stated values. Four of the countries that forced the threat of sanctions to be removed from the security council resolution - Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria - have extremely poor human rights records. Two are permanent members with the power of veto, commercial ties to the Sudanese government and a strong interest in defending the inviolability of state sovereignty against the humanitarian imperative. Why do they enjoy this privilege? Because almost 60 years ago they happened to be on the winning side in a war.
The veto power of the other permanent members is no less anomalous and no less hypocritical in the uses to which it has been put. America has exercised its veto on 79 occasions, most frequently to shield Israel from international criticism. It has also used the veto to avoid censure for its aggression against Nicaragua, the invasion of Grenada and other misdeeds. Britain and America, with occasional French support, performed the same service for apartheid South Africa throughout the 70s and 80s. With these rules, the aspiration for global justice will always lose out to the reality that there is one law for the "great powers" and their client states, and another law for the rest.
Tony Blair's ambition to establish a new "doctrine of international community" with human rights as its central focus is struggling to make progress in the face of widespread international scepticism. Not all this is due to the fallout over Iraq. Some of it is also prompted by the fact that Blair's apparent enthusiasm for reform does not extend to asking whether it is still legitimate for Britain or any other country to insist that its own interests should take precedence over international law.
If he really wanted to push a radical agenda, he could do worse than propose that the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of military force should be exercised by the UN membership as a whole. The general assembly has its problems, but is a far more representative body than the security council and is becoming more so with the passage of time. The days when its membership consisted largely of the representatives of military juntas and one-party states are long gone. The remarkable progress of democratic ideas in Latin America, eastern Europe and parts of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades means that two-thirds of UN members now have elected governments. There is every reason to believe that this figure will continue to rise. Isn't it time for the world body to shake off the colonial assumptions on which it was founded?
When the security council meets at the end of the month to consider Sudan's compliance with resolution 1556, the result is likely to be more paralysis and inaction. If Blair's reaction is to bemoan the unreasonable and unprincipled resort to the politics of the veto, someone should remind him that it's his system too. [end of item]
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Note Friday Aug 13 report from China News: Sudan rejects foreign interference. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said in an interview with CNN that his government will not accept foreign interference in Darfur in any case.
STATES THAT FAIL TO PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THEIR OWN CITIZENS SHOULD FORFEIT THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT TO NON-INTERFERENCE IN THEIR INTERNAL AFFAIRS - Only a transfer of power to the U.N. General Assembly will end this misery
This morning, I felt uplifted to read David Clark's report, entitled "In Darfur, the UN veto is proving as deadly as the gun", in today's Guardian because he so brilliantly puts into words what I was trying to articulate in my last few posts here -- about the Obligations and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I've not read of such ideas anywhere else -- so I am relieved to see that I am not alone in my thinking. Clive Soley MP seems to be the only blogger in Britain (that I can find) with political influence who cares to write about the Sudan and failing states and write important papers on the subject.
Having said that though, I must credit Labour MP Tom Watson for responding positively to a comment I left at his blog on June 26, in support of no fly zones over Darfur. Tom is the first British MP to get blogging, he posts almost daily at his award winning blog that covers all sorts of local, national and global issues. Here's hoping Tom will use his talents to focus attention on the problems of a toothless U.N.
The U.N. is a hugely costly organisation that renders its 191 members impotent when it comes to any of them wanting to intervene with humanitarian assistance in countries where genocide and ethnic cleansing are happening. After Rwanda, the West said, never again. Here we are again, ten years later, and all world can do is use its techology to watch and talk about genocide and ethnic cleansing unfolding in slow motion like a horrofic movie. The fact that an unelected dictatorship in Sudan can preside for 15 years over the slaughter of two million Sudanese while rejecting offers of help to provide a safe corridor for humanitarian assistance is, in itself, a crime against humanity.
Please read David Clark's report in full -- it's like he has read my mind and is writing what I am thinking a thousand times more better than I can articulate. He says:
"States that fail to protect the human rights of their own citizens forfeit the sovereign right to non-interference in their internal affairs. Without that principle, the universal declaration of human rights isn't worth the paper it's written on."
PLUS he confirms what can be done about it:
"Only a transfer of power to the general assembly will end this misery"
Here is the report, copied in full:
Today marks the halfway point in the UN security council's 30-day ultimatum to the government of Sudan to disarm the Janjaweed militias, responsible for what is commonly described as the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Already it is apparent that the response of the Islamist regime will be to continue bluffing it out with protests of injured innocence in the hope that the international community eventually gives up and loses interest.
Daily reports of attacks against civilians continue to come in from across Darfur; 30,000 people are said to have fled in the latest round of violence. But far from restraining the militias, the government is providing continued military support for their campaign of ethnic terror. In the past week the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that helicopter gunships had again been used in attacks; and the traumatised victims of earlier atrocities, crammed into refugee camps, continue to suffer violent assaults by the Janjaweed, often under the nose of Sudanese troops supposed to protect them. This is not a little local difficulty; it is a war waged by the government against its people.
To the extent that the authorities have acted at all, it has been to cover up evidence of what is happening. Instead of being disarmed and disbanded, the militias are being integrated into the security forces where they will be less conspicuous. Refugees are being pressured to return to their villages with threats of violence or offers of desperately needed food, only to become victims once again. Those who speak to international observers are being rounded up and imprisoned, according to Amnesty International. And aid workers attempting to get supplies to those most at risk from malnutrition and disease are reporting new government-imposed restrictions on their operations. Everything that is being done is a calculated play for time.
The reaction of the Khartoum regime is scarcely surprising. Little of what the international community has done suggests that the political will exists for any meaningful intervention. The watering down of security council resolution 1556, as a result of pressure from several states, will not have been lost on Sudan's rulers. While the original draft contained an explicit threat of sanctions, the final version did little more than vaguely promise to "consider further actions" in the event of non-compliance. This will have been interpreted, correctly, as a sign of weakness and an indication that little is likely to be done when the UN deadline expires.
Those of the "nothing must be done" persuasion dismiss outside intervention as irresponsible or malevolent, and probably both. Not one of them has suggested a credible way for this hopelessly one-sided conflict to be resolved except for it to run its bloody course. They are entitled to their position, but they are not entitled to deny its human consequences.
Splitting hairs over the definition of genocide or quibbling over how many thousands have been killed doesn't alter the fact that serious crimes against humanity are being committed with every passing day. Nor does the argument that the militias are beyond Khartoum's control. Disputes about whether the regime is orchestrating the violence or has simply lost control of events are unimportant when set against the suffering in Darfur. States that fail to protect the human rights of their own citizens forfeit the sovereign right to non-interference in their internal affairs. Without that principle, the universal declaration of human rights isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Unfortunately, as Darfur illustrates, the UN system is singularly ill-suited to upholding its own stated values. Four of the countries that forced the threat of sanctions to be removed from the security council resolution - Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria - have extremely poor human rights records. Two are permanent members with the power of veto, commercial ties to the Sudanese government and a strong interest in defending the inviolability of state sovereignty against the humanitarian imperative. Why do they enjoy this privilege? Because almost 60 years ago they happened to be on the winning side in a war.
The veto power of the other permanent members is no less anomalous and no less hypocritical in the uses to which it has been put. America has exercised its veto on 79 occasions, most frequently to shield Israel from international criticism. It has also used the veto to avoid censure for its aggression against Nicaragua, the invasion of Grenada and other misdeeds. Britain and America, with occasional French support, performed the same service for apartheid South Africa throughout the 70s and 80s. With these rules, the aspiration for global justice will always lose out to the reality that there is one law for the "great powers" and their client states, and another law for the rest.
Tony Blair's ambition to establish a new "doctrine of international community" with human rights as its central focus is struggling to make progress in the face of widespread international scepticism. Not all this is due to the fallout over Iraq. Some of it is also prompted by the fact that Blair's apparent enthusiasm for reform does not extend to asking whether it is still legitimate for Britain or any other country to insist that its own interests should take precedence over international law.
If he really wanted to push a radical agenda, he could do worse than propose that the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of military force should be exercised by the UN membership as a whole. The general assembly has its problems, but is a far more representative body than the security council and is becoming more so with the passage of time. The days when its membership consisted largely of the representatives of military juntas and one-party states are long gone. The remarkable progress of democratic ideas in Latin America, eastern Europe and parts of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades means that two-thirds of UN members now have elected governments. There is every reason to believe that this figure will continue to rise. Isn't it time for the world body to shake off the colonial assumptions on which it was founded?
When the security council meets at the end of the month to consider Sudan's compliance with resolution 1556, the result is likely to be more paralysis and inaction. If Blair's reaction is to bemoan the unreasonable and unprincipled resort to the politics of the veto, someone should remind him that it's his system too. [end of item]
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Note Friday Aug 13 report from China News: Sudan rejects foreign interference. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said in an interview with CNN that his government will not accept foreign interference in Darfur in any case.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/14/2004
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SUDAN: BRITISH MILITARY ASSIST U.N. AID OPERATION IN DARFUR -
Current planning based around 1,800 soldiers that could deploy next month
The following report in Britain's Telegraph, filed on August 14, 2004, was authored by Michael Smith, Defence Correspondent, and David Blair in Khartoum:
A British military reconnaissance team has visited Sudan to investigate the possibility of sending medics and logistical personnel to assist in any United Nations operation to provide aid to the people of Darfur.
The 30-strong team from the Permanent Joint Headquarters, led by a colonel, included medics, logistics staff and communications experts.
It spent 10 days investigating the possibility of mounting an aid and assistance operation. The team is understood to have reported back this week to Air Marshal Glenn Torpy, Chief of Joint Operations, on the problems any force would face.
Its report said that medical aid was the priority rather than food, but that the terrain was difficult and any medical and logistics staff would need strong defences.
Gen Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of General Staff, has raised the possibility of sending a 5,000-strong force, but defence sources said current planning was based around a battle group formation of 1,800 soldiers that could deploy next month.
It would include a medical transport unit, logistical and communications experts and an infantry battalion to provide force protection.
A senior defence source said the situation was very complex and was not just about providing aid. "We need to look at protecting ourselves and the displaced persons; it is a massive problem. Our planning allows us to look at the problems of dealing with thousands of people. There are currently 850,000 homeless and we need to review how we are going to prevent the Janjaweed [the notorious pro-government militia] from mounting further attacks.
"In addition we need to take into account the terrain and the hostile environment. Sudan has a reputation next to the Ivory Coast as the white man's graveyard. It is packed with disease.
"Humanitarian agencies are already in Sudan, but they will be reluctant to take aid from us or work alongside us for fear that their impartiality will be compromised. It is very complex."
There was also a potential threat from al-Qa'eda, the source said. The United States has teams of special forces in Sudan hunting down al-Qa'eda units allegedly training in the mountains.
The key objective for any British troops in Darfur would be to create enough security for the refugees to go home.
At present, the region's terrified people live in squalid camps, unable to return to their villages for fear of attack. Rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army and the Janjaweed have both destroyed countless villages.
The Khartoum regime has promised to restore order in Darfur and has deployed thousands of extra police for the task. Yet the government's links to the Janjaweed mean that few of the refugees, 158,000 of whom have fled to neighbouring Chad, trust its pledges. Hardly any are willing to return at the moment. A British force might be able to reassure them. But Darfur is the size of France and a force even of the size mooted by Gen Jackson would be nowhere near sufficient to restore security in the area.
Aid workers say that the key threats to the refugees are the outbreak of hepatitis E in the camps, with 480 cases recorded so far, and the possibility that Sudan's regime might impose restrictions on humanitarian work.
The UN Security Council is due to debate Sudan at the end of this month and decide whether the regime has complied with last month's resolution demanding the Janjaweed's disarmament. If the Security Council decides to punish Sudan, the Khartoum regime could retaliate by re-imposing visa restrictions on aid workers and placing more bureaucratic obstacles in their path. This would cripple the flow of humanitarian aid to the camps.
Aid workers in Darfur point out that the deployment of British troops would not address either of these key dangers.
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Aug 14 BBC UK report: Oxfam worker reveals Sudan plight. Scale of this crisis is almost beyond imagination.
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AU led Rwandan troops ready to arrive in Sudan today Aug 14
A force of 150 Rwandan troops is due in Darfur today to protect African Union ceasefire monitors. Report below. Note to
Jim: does anyone connected with the Passion know how we can get word to the African Union to show our support for these 150 brave souls? It'd be great to send them and the African Union messages of support, wishing them best of luck, letting them know our thoughts are with them - and that we'll be following and spreading the news of their great work.
The following is an excerpt from a report that says there will be an official ceremony for the troop's departure from Kigali.
They will be the first half of a 300-strong African Union (AU) protection force set to be airlifted into Darfur region today, Saturday, to help observe a ceasefire between the government and rebel groups.
"The African Union and the Rwandan government, with the support of the Netherlands, are ready to deploy the AU force in El-Fashir (capital of North Darfur state), directly from Kigali, on August 14 as planned," said an official at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
"Everything is going as planned," the official, who requested anonymity, told AFP.
A spokesperson for the Rwandan army, Patrick Karegeya, said there would be an official ceremony for the troops' departure from Kigali.
The pan-African force, consisting of 150 Rwandan and 150 Nigerian soldiers, is tasked only with protecting an AU team of observers monitoring the April 8 ceasefire between the Khartoum government and Darfur rebels, which both sides have accused each other of violating.
The Rwandan troops are to be airlifted by the Netherlands to the war-torn region on Saturday, to be followed by the Nigerian soldiers no later than August 25.
Karegeya said the Rwandan troops included a number of Arabic-speaking officers.
The Sudanese government has welcomed the small peacekeeping force. But it voiced opposition this week to plans by the 53-member AU to expand the contingent into a 2 000-strong peacekeeping force.
Further report from BBC: Rwandan Foreign Minister Charles Murigande said their mandate did not include the protection of civilians. But the deployment of 2,500 AU peacekeepers is being considered, UN special envoy Jan Pronk said. According to Mr Pronk, the topic has been discussed between the AU chairman, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir.
French news agency AFP quotes Remi Oyo, a spokesman for President Obasanjo, as saying: "If Sudan will not yield to gentle and African pressure, it will have to succumb to extra-African pressure that might not be so gentle."
Mr Pronk welcomed the forthcoming arrival of the monitoring team in Darfur and said he wanted many more African observers. "The more people we have on the ground the greater the possibility to build the confidence of the local population," he told the BBC. He said that progress had been made in talks with the Sudanese government about the establishment of 20km wide safe areas around giant refugee camps in Darfur.
- - -
If Sudan rebuffs African troops it faces outside action: Nigeria
Friday Aug 12 -- Nigeria warned Sudan on Thursday that if it does not allow African Union peacekeepers and diplomats to resolve the Darfur crisis it will end up facing less friendly pressure from outside the continent.
The AU's current chair, Nigeria, warned Sudan on Thursday that unless it allowed AU peacekeepers and diplomats to resolve the conflict it would face pressure from outside the continent.
Sudanese State Foreign Minister Naguib al-Khair Abdel Wahab responded on Friday by saying the only decisions the AU had taken on Darfur confined the pan-African body's role to monitoring and verifying respect of April 8 ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by the government in neighbouring Chad.
"We believe that the task of keeping peace and protecting civilians is exclusively a Sudanese responsibility," he added.
- - -
Text: UN Darfur agreement
BBC news online provides the text of an agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations on a "Plan of Action" for Darfur, as carried by Reuters news agency.
Under the proposal, which is expected to be finalised in the coming days, neither soldiers nor the pro-government Janjaweed militia would be able to carry weapons of any kind in these areas.
Despite the progress in Khartoum, UN special envoy Jan Pronk acknowledged that fighting was continuing in Darfur, with Janjaweed fighters ignoring official instructions to end attacks. He said the number of displaced civilians arriving in the refugee camps was rising every day.
The International Organisation from Migration (IOM) says it estimates there are now over 1.2m displaced people within Darfur. In their survey, released on Friday, they say that makeshift camps are not managed or organised and clean water, sanitation and deteriorating health are major causes for concern.
Peace talks due to take place in Abuja on 23 August between all parties in the conflict - the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups - will go ahead, Mr Pronk said, despite uncertainty about whether the rebel groups will attend. "So far we have the impression that they are willing to go, there is a lot of pressure coming from the AU," he said.
SUDAN: BRITISH MILITARY ASSIST U.N. AID OPERATION IN DARFUR -
Current planning based around 1,800 soldiers that could deploy next month
The following report in Britain's Telegraph, filed on August 14, 2004, was authored by Michael Smith, Defence Correspondent, and David Blair in Khartoum:
A British military reconnaissance team has visited Sudan to investigate the possibility of sending medics and logistical personnel to assist in any United Nations operation to provide aid to the people of Darfur.
The 30-strong team from the Permanent Joint Headquarters, led by a colonel, included medics, logistics staff and communications experts.
It spent 10 days investigating the possibility of mounting an aid and assistance operation. The team is understood to have reported back this week to Air Marshal Glenn Torpy, Chief of Joint Operations, on the problems any force would face.
Its report said that medical aid was the priority rather than food, but that the terrain was difficult and any medical and logistics staff would need strong defences.
Gen Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of General Staff, has raised the possibility of sending a 5,000-strong force, but defence sources said current planning was based around a battle group formation of 1,800 soldiers that could deploy next month.
It would include a medical transport unit, logistical and communications experts and an infantry battalion to provide force protection.
A senior defence source said the situation was very complex and was not just about providing aid. "We need to look at protecting ourselves and the displaced persons; it is a massive problem. Our planning allows us to look at the problems of dealing with thousands of people. There are currently 850,000 homeless and we need to review how we are going to prevent the Janjaweed [the notorious pro-government militia] from mounting further attacks.
"In addition we need to take into account the terrain and the hostile environment. Sudan has a reputation next to the Ivory Coast as the white man's graveyard. It is packed with disease.
"Humanitarian agencies are already in Sudan, but they will be reluctant to take aid from us or work alongside us for fear that their impartiality will be compromised. It is very complex."
There was also a potential threat from al-Qa'eda, the source said. The United States has teams of special forces in Sudan hunting down al-Qa'eda units allegedly training in the mountains.
The key objective for any British troops in Darfur would be to create enough security for the refugees to go home.
At present, the region's terrified people live in squalid camps, unable to return to their villages for fear of attack. Rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army and the Janjaweed have both destroyed countless villages.
The Khartoum regime has promised to restore order in Darfur and has deployed thousands of extra police for the task. Yet the government's links to the Janjaweed mean that few of the refugees, 158,000 of whom have fled to neighbouring Chad, trust its pledges. Hardly any are willing to return at the moment. A British force might be able to reassure them. But Darfur is the size of France and a force even of the size mooted by Gen Jackson would be nowhere near sufficient to restore security in the area.
Aid workers say that the key threats to the refugees are the outbreak of hepatitis E in the camps, with 480 cases recorded so far, and the possibility that Sudan's regime might impose restrictions on humanitarian work.
The UN Security Council is due to debate Sudan at the end of this month and decide whether the regime has complied with last month's resolution demanding the Janjaweed's disarmament. If the Security Council decides to punish Sudan, the Khartoum regime could retaliate by re-imposing visa restrictions on aid workers and placing more bureaucratic obstacles in their path. This would cripple the flow of humanitarian aid to the camps.
Aid workers in Darfur point out that the deployment of British troops would not address either of these key dangers.
- - -
Aug 14 BBC UK report: Oxfam worker reveals Sudan plight. Scale of this crisis is almost beyond imagination.
- - -
AU led Rwandan troops ready to arrive in Sudan today Aug 14
A force of 150 Rwandan troops is due in Darfur today to protect African Union ceasefire monitors. Report below. Note to
Jim: does anyone connected with the Passion know how we can get word to the African Union to show our support for these 150 brave souls? It'd be great to send them and the African Union messages of support, wishing them best of luck, letting them know our thoughts are with them - and that we'll be following and spreading the news of their great work.
The following is an excerpt from a report that says there will be an official ceremony for the troop's departure from Kigali.
They will be the first half of a 300-strong African Union (AU) protection force set to be airlifted into Darfur region today, Saturday, to help observe a ceasefire between the government and rebel groups.
"The African Union and the Rwandan government, with the support of the Netherlands, are ready to deploy the AU force in El-Fashir (capital of North Darfur state), directly from Kigali, on August 14 as planned," said an official at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
"Everything is going as planned," the official, who requested anonymity, told AFP.
A spokesperson for the Rwandan army, Patrick Karegeya, said there would be an official ceremony for the troops' departure from Kigali.
The pan-African force, consisting of 150 Rwandan and 150 Nigerian soldiers, is tasked only with protecting an AU team of observers monitoring the April 8 ceasefire between the Khartoum government and Darfur rebels, which both sides have accused each other of violating.
The Rwandan troops are to be airlifted by the Netherlands to the war-torn region on Saturday, to be followed by the Nigerian soldiers no later than August 25.
Karegeya said the Rwandan troops included a number of Arabic-speaking officers.
The Sudanese government has welcomed the small peacekeeping force. But it voiced opposition this week to plans by the 53-member AU to expand the contingent into a 2 000-strong peacekeeping force.
Further report from BBC: Rwandan Foreign Minister Charles Murigande said their mandate did not include the protection of civilians. But the deployment of 2,500 AU peacekeepers is being considered, UN special envoy Jan Pronk said. According to Mr Pronk, the topic has been discussed between the AU chairman, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir.
French news agency AFP quotes Remi Oyo, a spokesman for President Obasanjo, as saying: "If Sudan will not yield to gentle and African pressure, it will have to succumb to extra-African pressure that might not be so gentle."
Mr Pronk welcomed the forthcoming arrival of the monitoring team in Darfur and said he wanted many more African observers. "The more people we have on the ground the greater the possibility to build the confidence of the local population," he told the BBC. He said that progress had been made in talks with the Sudanese government about the establishment of 20km wide safe areas around giant refugee camps in Darfur.
- - -
If Sudan rebuffs African troops it faces outside action: Nigeria
Friday Aug 12 -- Nigeria warned Sudan on Thursday that if it does not allow African Union peacekeepers and diplomats to resolve the Darfur crisis it will end up facing less friendly pressure from outside the continent.
The AU's current chair, Nigeria, warned Sudan on Thursday that unless it allowed AU peacekeepers and diplomats to resolve the conflict it would face pressure from outside the continent.
Sudanese State Foreign Minister Naguib al-Khair Abdel Wahab responded on Friday by saying the only decisions the AU had taken on Darfur confined the pan-African body's role to monitoring and verifying respect of April 8 ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by the government in neighbouring Chad.
"We believe that the task of keeping peace and protecting civilians is exclusively a Sudanese responsibility," he added.
- - -
Text: UN Darfur agreement
BBC news online provides the text of an agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations on a "Plan of Action" for Darfur, as carried by Reuters news agency.
Under the proposal, which is expected to be finalised in the coming days, neither soldiers nor the pro-government Janjaweed militia would be able to carry weapons of any kind in these areas.
Despite the progress in Khartoum, UN special envoy Jan Pronk acknowledged that fighting was continuing in Darfur, with Janjaweed fighters ignoring official instructions to end attacks. He said the number of displaced civilians arriving in the refugee camps was rising every day.
The International Organisation from Migration (IOM) says it estimates there are now over 1.2m displaced people within Darfur. In their survey, released on Friday, they say that makeshift camps are not managed or organised and clean water, sanitation and deteriorating health are major causes for concern.
Peace talks due to take place in Abuja on 23 August between all parties in the conflict - the Sudanese government and the two rebel groups - will go ahead, Mr Pronk said, despite uncertainty about whether the rebel groups will attend. "So far we have the impression that they are willing to go, there is a lot of pressure coming from the AU," he said.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/14/2004
Friday, August 13, 2004
BLOG CAMPAIGN FOR SUDAN
Reaches toward a new level of awareness
Jim Moore's latest posts at Passion of the Present are saying what I am thinking and posting about here: countries that do not believe in human rights, and that have long records of abuses, are joining with the Sudanese government to "calm" the situation. I've noticed too how quickly China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have come together to prop up the government in Sudan - and also, within the past week, the actions of these countries and their allied powers have become much more obvious and critical to the outcome in Sudan.
Jim has dubbed it the Genocide Bloc and says many experts believe that dealing with Sudan - and now the Genocide Bloc - is as relevant as Iraq to overall world security concerns. In his latest post he writes "we are witnessing in Sudan the coming together of a power bloc, anchored by China and operating across the middle east and Africa that does not share western values of democracy and human rights, that is economically powerful and controls a great deal of oil, and that can bring very great problems for the United States, not unlike those of the pre-war Iraq."
- - -
WE NEED AN ANTI-GENOCIDE BLOC
The world could use a pro-human-rights bloc
In a reply to a comment at Passion of the Present, Jim Moore writes: "The world could use a pro-human-rights bloc. In a certain sense, for nations this is one of those situations where the old slogan applies: 'You are either [actively] part of the solution, or you are [consciously or unconsciously] part of the problem.' I agree with him when he says "the frightening thing about the Genocide Bloc is that it is achieving substantial influence over the situation in Sudan and in the international community." Which is why I've spent past few days writing posts on the UN's Declaration of Human Rights and Obligations - and posting comments at the blog of Clive Soley, a British Labour MP who is planning to write a Fabian paper on failing states.
Note Jim's telephone conversation with Jerry Fowler of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in a post on a blog campaign for Sudan.
- - -
Note to self: Here's my latest question: When does a crime rise to the level at which sovereignty has been forfeited by the government in question?
Reaches toward a new level of awareness
Jim Moore's latest posts at Passion of the Present are saying what I am thinking and posting about here: countries that do not believe in human rights, and that have long records of abuses, are joining with the Sudanese government to "calm" the situation. I've noticed too how quickly China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have come together to prop up the government in Sudan - and also, within the past week, the actions of these countries and their allied powers have become much more obvious and critical to the outcome in Sudan.
Jim has dubbed it the Genocide Bloc and says many experts believe that dealing with Sudan - and now the Genocide Bloc - is as relevant as Iraq to overall world security concerns. In his latest post he writes "we are witnessing in Sudan the coming together of a power bloc, anchored by China and operating across the middle east and Africa that does not share western values of democracy and human rights, that is economically powerful and controls a great deal of oil, and that can bring very great problems for the United States, not unlike those of the pre-war Iraq."
- - -
WE NEED AN ANTI-GENOCIDE BLOC
The world could use a pro-human-rights bloc
In a reply to a comment at Passion of the Present, Jim Moore writes: "The world could use a pro-human-rights bloc. In a certain sense, for nations this is one of those situations where the old slogan applies: 'You are either [actively] part of the solution, or you are [consciously or unconsciously] part of the problem.' I agree with him when he says "the frightening thing about the Genocide Bloc is that it is achieving substantial influence over the situation in Sudan and in the international community." Which is why I've spent past few days writing posts on the UN's Declaration of Human Rights and Obligations - and posting comments at the blog of Clive Soley, a British Labour MP who is planning to write a Fabian paper on failing states.
Note Jim's telephone conversation with Jerry Fowler of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in a post on a blog campaign for Sudan.
- - -
Note to self: Here's my latest question: When does a crime rise to the level at which sovereignty has been forfeited by the government in question?
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/13/2004
- - -
STARVING SUDAN TOLD KREMLIN IT HAS 3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
TO SPEND ON MILITARY HARDWARE
Buying 12 MiGs from Russia may be just the tip of the ice-berg
Russian weaponry may already be playing a direct role in Darfur. The recent acceleration of Russia-Sudan links goes beyond the military sphere. Sudan told Kremlin it has three billion U.S. dollars to spend on military hardware. Here is an excerpt from August 12, 2004, report:
Russia, one of the countries blamed for watering down the wording of last month's United Nations resolution on the conflict by insisting that the word "sanctions" be removed, has been delivering MiG fighter planes to Sudan throughout the bloodshed in Darfur. The latest delivery of two jets came in late July, just days before the weakened UN resolution was passed by the Security Council, and amid concern that the planes could be used against civilians.
On July 29, the day before the UN resolution was passed, the Russian company Stroitransgaz won a contract to build a 366-kilometre pipeline in the Melut basin in southeast Sudan, a region abandoned four years ago by the Canadian junior oil company Fosters Resources Ltd. because of pressure from human-rights groups.
Pavel Felengauer, an independent defence analyst based in Moscow, said Russia has never tied arms sales to buyers' human-rights records, and suggested that the 12 MiGs may be just the tip of the iceberg. He said the Sudanese government recently notified the Kremlin that it has $3-billion (U.S.) to spend on military hardware.
Mr. Felengauer said a recent visit to Minsk by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir is likely aimed at laying the groundwork for more weapons deals in the former Soviet Union; Belarus is a major player in the international arms trade.
"Often, if Russia says it can't, Minsk says it can. Russia often sells through Minsk," Mr. Felengauer said.
"There will be a lot more weapons going [to Sudan]. That's why Russia is resisting the sanctions: It would complicate matters," he said.
- - -
CHINA IGNORES HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND SAYS "BUSINESS IS BUSINESS"
China blocks UN action against genocide because it has its oil interests in Sudan
The oil interests that China has in Sudan are not owned by Chinese oil companies - they are owned by the Chinese government itself. China ignores human rights abuses and says "Business is business". Here's snippet from an Aug 9 report on Sudan and how to define compliance of the UN resolution:
"But even if the U.S. judges that Sudan’s efforts have ultimately fallen short of what is required, Washington will still need to convince China – and other opponents of sanctions – that punitive measures should be taken. Aside from any other consideration, given the size of Chinese investments in Sudan’s burgeoning oil sector, Beijing will need a lot of convincing."
- - -
Note to self to find out: Do U.N. members tie arms sales to buyers' human-rights records? If not, would it be possible for U.N. members to be assigned ratings for their human-rights records? Countries with zero points are not to be sold arms (or oil?) and if they do and are found out, the seller will lose points. Maybe such a rating system already exists. Blacklists and so on. Whatever, it seems corrupt that Russia and China - with their huge vested interest in Sudan but no care for human rights - sits on the U.N. Security Council - and gangs up with likeminded countries to make the U.N. impotent. What is the point of the U.N.? Ruthless thugs and rejectors of human rights controlling the U.N? Sorry, I don't get it.
- - -
Other news: The Sudanese army denied it has resumed air attacks in Darfur, saying in a statement that the armed forces are adhering to an April 8 ceasefire agreement and not using helicopter gunships for raids, as the United Nations charged Tuesday.
Millions of locusts may be heading for Darfur from neighbouring Chad, UN pest-control experts said in Rome, warning that the continuing insecurity in the remote western region would prevent an effective control operation.
- - -
QUOTES FROM SUDAN -
You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried
Aug 12: Sudanese President Bashir tells a Lebanese newspaper the U.S. and Europe are exploiting the situation in Darfur, - and they are not interested in the well being of the people there. Bashir said Sudan is being victimized by a media campaign that aims to "divert attention from the violence in Iraq and the Palestinian territories." He said world media and international organizations have exaggerated the situation in Darfur.
A U.S. State Department spokesman, Adam Erelim, said Wednesday the U.S. gets its information on Darfur from African Union observers who are there, as well as aid workers and U.S. resources. He said they report major security and humanitarian aid problems in the region.
Sudan's president has also accused the West of exploiting the Darfur conflict in the hope of seizing the country's gold and oil, but Washington replied its only aim was to halt mass murder and starvation. Ismail is too on the propaganda trail. Beware of any news out of Khartoum. They are spreading ugly lies about the West, saying we are evil and they are good. Like all other psycho dictators they are pathological liars and expert at PR - which is how they've gotten away with mass murders over past 15 years.
STARVING SUDAN TOLD KREMLIN IT HAS 3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
TO SPEND ON MILITARY HARDWARE
Buying 12 MiGs from Russia may be just the tip of the ice-berg
Russian weaponry may already be playing a direct role in Darfur. The recent acceleration of Russia-Sudan links goes beyond the military sphere. Sudan told Kremlin it has three billion U.S. dollars to spend on military hardware. Here is an excerpt from August 12, 2004, report:
Russia, one of the countries blamed for watering down the wording of last month's United Nations resolution on the conflict by insisting that the word "sanctions" be removed, has been delivering MiG fighter planes to Sudan throughout the bloodshed in Darfur. The latest delivery of two jets came in late July, just days before the weakened UN resolution was passed by the Security Council, and amid concern that the planes could be used against civilians.
On July 29, the day before the UN resolution was passed, the Russian company Stroitransgaz won a contract to build a 366-kilometre pipeline in the Melut basin in southeast Sudan, a region abandoned four years ago by the Canadian junior oil company Fosters Resources Ltd. because of pressure from human-rights groups.
Pavel Felengauer, an independent defence analyst based in Moscow, said Russia has never tied arms sales to buyers' human-rights records, and suggested that the 12 MiGs may be just the tip of the iceberg. He said the Sudanese government recently notified the Kremlin that it has $3-billion (U.S.) to spend on military hardware.
Mr. Felengauer said a recent visit to Minsk by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir is likely aimed at laying the groundwork for more weapons deals in the former Soviet Union; Belarus is a major player in the international arms trade.
"Often, if Russia says it can't, Minsk says it can. Russia often sells through Minsk," Mr. Felengauer said.
"There will be a lot more weapons going [to Sudan]. That's why Russia is resisting the sanctions: It would complicate matters," he said.
- - -
CHINA IGNORES HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND SAYS "BUSINESS IS BUSINESS"
China blocks UN action against genocide because it has its oil interests in Sudan
The oil interests that China has in Sudan are not owned by Chinese oil companies - they are owned by the Chinese government itself. China ignores human rights abuses and says "Business is business". Here's snippet from an Aug 9 report on Sudan and how to define compliance of the UN resolution:
"But even if the U.S. judges that Sudan’s efforts have ultimately fallen short of what is required, Washington will still need to convince China – and other opponents of sanctions – that punitive measures should be taken. Aside from any other consideration, given the size of Chinese investments in Sudan’s burgeoning oil sector, Beijing will need a lot of convincing."
- - -
Note to self to find out: Do U.N. members tie arms sales to buyers' human-rights records? If not, would it be possible for U.N. members to be assigned ratings for their human-rights records? Countries with zero points are not to be sold arms (or oil?) and if they do and are found out, the seller will lose points. Maybe such a rating system already exists. Blacklists and so on. Whatever, it seems corrupt that Russia and China - with their huge vested interest in Sudan but no care for human rights - sits on the U.N. Security Council - and gangs up with likeminded countries to make the U.N. impotent. What is the point of the U.N.? Ruthless thugs and rejectors of human rights controlling the U.N? Sorry, I don't get it.
- - -
Other news: The Sudanese army denied it has resumed air attacks in Darfur, saying in a statement that the armed forces are adhering to an April 8 ceasefire agreement and not using helicopter gunships for raids, as the United Nations charged Tuesday.
Millions of locusts may be heading for Darfur from neighbouring Chad, UN pest-control experts said in Rome, warning that the continuing insecurity in the remote western region would prevent an effective control operation.
- - -
QUOTES FROM SUDAN -
You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried
Aug 12: Sudanese President Bashir tells a Lebanese newspaper the U.S. and Europe are exploiting the situation in Darfur, - and they are not interested in the well being of the people there. Bashir said Sudan is being victimized by a media campaign that aims to "divert attention from the violence in Iraq and the Palestinian territories." He said world media and international organizations have exaggerated the situation in Darfur.
A U.S. State Department spokesman, Adam Erelim, said Wednesday the U.S. gets its information on Darfur from African Union observers who are there, as well as aid workers and U.S. resources. He said they report major security and humanitarian aid problems in the region.
Sudan's president has also accused the West of exploiting the Darfur conflict in the hope of seizing the country's gold and oil, but Washington replied its only aim was to halt mass murder and starvation. Ismail is too on the propaganda trail. Beware of any news out of Khartoum. They are spreading ugly lies about the West, saying we are evil and they are good. Like all other psycho dictators they are pathological liars and expert at PR - which is how they've gotten away with mass murders over past 15 years.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/13/2004
Thursday, August 12, 2004
THE CHALLENGE OF THIS CENTURY
Is global warming and to get better policies
in the area of failing states
Clive Soley MP, in his recent post on the Sudan and failing states (note also his responses here and here), says that apart from the problems of global warming, the challenge of this century is to get better policies in the area of failing states.
He makes the point that "currently the world lurches between doing nothing as in Rwanda or intervening with heavily armed troops as in Afghanistan and Iraq ...in between there are cases like Somalia where the world’s intervention failed and East Timor where it succeeded but not until much of the damage had been done".
He feels Sudan is just the latest in a long line of failed or failing states, and very much fears this is going to be the pattern for many years yet.
And notes that Kofi Annan has a high level panel looking at this problem and it may be ready to report at the end of the year.
It makes me wonder why has it taken the U.N. 60 years to look into the problem - especially after genocide in Rwanda and Bosnia took place ten years ago - and the West, including Kofi Annan, said "never again".
The U.N. administration needs to get its priorities straightened and work more efficiently if they want to be seen as good value for money (which I think they are not - the whole business needs looking at, along with the UN refugee agency and World Food Programme).
Since Clive is planning to write a Fabian pamphlet on failing states, and I am hoping the Bill of Human Rights forms the basis of debates, papers and policies on failing states - I shall now go over to his blog and post a comment (consisting of my last two posts here) as a contribution to the discussion.
- - -
Update: Note the comment left in a post below by top British blogger Alistair Coleman of Scaryduck fame who is studying human rights and democracy at Britain's Open University.
Alistair writes: "The problem with world human rights is that any judgement handed down by the UN do not carry legal weight. This means countries can - and will - ignore them. The only way enforcement can occur is by concerted pressure by the world community, hoping to either embarrass a country into compliance, apply sanctions or act militarily. In the case of Darfur, the whole world is being embarrassed into grudging action. What a mess."
Why is it that a judgement handed down by the U.N. carries no legal weight - is it too difficult to introduce? What would it take for judgements to carry legal weight -- is it being worked on, and if not, why not -- does anyone know?
Is global warming and to get better policies
in the area of failing states
Clive Soley MP, in his recent post on the Sudan and failing states (note also his responses here and here), says that apart from the problems of global warming, the challenge of this century is to get better policies in the area of failing states.
He makes the point that "currently the world lurches between doing nothing as in Rwanda or intervening with heavily armed troops as in Afghanistan and Iraq ...in between there are cases like Somalia where the world’s intervention failed and East Timor where it succeeded but not until much of the damage had been done".
He feels Sudan is just the latest in a long line of failed or failing states, and very much fears this is going to be the pattern for many years yet.
And notes that Kofi Annan has a high level panel looking at this problem and it may be ready to report at the end of the year.
It makes me wonder why has it taken the U.N. 60 years to look into the problem - especially after genocide in Rwanda and Bosnia took place ten years ago - and the West, including Kofi Annan, said "never again".
The U.N. administration needs to get its priorities straightened and work more efficiently if they want to be seen as good value for money (which I think they are not - the whole business needs looking at, along with the UN refugee agency and World Food Programme).
Since Clive is planning to write a Fabian pamphlet on failing states, and I am hoping the Bill of Human Rights forms the basis of debates, papers and policies on failing states - I shall now go over to his blog and post a comment (consisting of my last two posts here) as a contribution to the discussion.
- - -
Update: Note the comment left in a post below by top British blogger Alistair Coleman of Scaryduck fame who is studying human rights and democracy at Britain's Open University.
Alistair writes: "The problem with world human rights is that any judgement handed down by the UN do not carry legal weight. This means countries can - and will - ignore them. The only way enforcement can occur is by concerted pressure by the world community, hoping to either embarrass a country into compliance, apply sanctions or act militarily. In the case of Darfur, the whole world is being embarrassed into grudging action. What a mess."
Why is it that a judgement handed down by the U.N. carries no legal weight - is it too difficult to introduce? What would it take for judgements to carry legal weight -- is it being worked on, and if not, why not -- does anyone know?
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/12/2004
- - -
THE BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRES MATCHING OBLIGATIONS
As the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed
This post is in response to recent ones by Jim Moore and Clive Soley involving Human Rights, the Sudan and failing states.
Today, I received an email from the non-blogging friend I spoke of in my previous post (see below) re the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was in reply to mine that explores "Why we should help our fellow man when in need - whether he is next door or in Africa?" Part of the reply from my friend says:
"The Bill of Human Rights is largely silent about requiring matching obligations, as the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed. Why don't you try and compose a corresponding list of logical Human Obligations?"
By writing: "The Bill of Human Rights requires matching obligations as the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed", my friend has unwittingly put into a nutshell what I was trying to suggest here in yesterday's post about the Declaration forming the basis of all new U.N. policies, papers, debates, etc. In my first draft, I did use the word "obligations" but changed it to "responsibilities" because I had no idea if "obligations", in relation to the Declaration, existed in a legal sense.
As I know nothing about international law on human rights, I can't see how I alone can compose a corresponding list of "logical Human Obligations". Hopefully, Jim and Clive might be willing to open a discussion at their blogs where readers could contribute thoughts and ideas to such a list for putting forward to the U.N.
As stated before, in previous posts here, I am planning to follow through on my friend's suggestion of June 26, to make contact with the U.N. to ask them about the official guidelines which clearly delay UN action until matters (like Darfur) have reached disgraceful proportions. Maybe it can be put forward with the list.
THE BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRES MATCHING OBLIGATIONS
As the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed
This post is in response to recent ones by Jim Moore and Clive Soley involving Human Rights, the Sudan and failing states.
Today, I received an email from the non-blogging friend I spoke of in my previous post (see below) re the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was in reply to mine that explores "Why we should help our fellow man when in need - whether he is next door or in Africa?" Part of the reply from my friend says:
"The Bill of Human Rights is largely silent about requiring matching obligations, as the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed. Why don't you try and compose a corresponding list of logical Human Obligations?"
By writing: "The Bill of Human Rights requires matching obligations as the prerequisite for enjoying the privileges listed", my friend has unwittingly put into a nutshell what I was trying to suggest here in yesterday's post about the Declaration forming the basis of all new U.N. policies, papers, debates, etc. In my first draft, I did use the word "obligations" but changed it to "responsibilities" because I had no idea if "obligations", in relation to the Declaration, existed in a legal sense.
As I know nothing about international law on human rights, I can't see how I alone can compose a corresponding list of "logical Human Obligations". Hopefully, Jim and Clive might be willing to open a discussion at their blogs where readers could contribute thoughts and ideas to such a list for putting forward to the U.N.
As stated before, in previous posts here, I am planning to follow through on my friend's suggestion of June 26, to make contact with the U.N. to ask them about the official guidelines which clearly delay UN action until matters (like Darfur) have reached disgraceful proportions. Maybe it can be put forward with the list.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/12/2004
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ALL HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Here, for the record, is a BBC news online report "Sudan under pressure over Darfur". A non-blogging friend in England emailed it to me on the day it was published, and wrote me: "You might find it rewarding to make contact with the UN and to ask them about the official guidelines which clearly delay UN action until matters (like this one) have reached disgraceful proportions."
The report, dated June, 26, 2004, is copied here in full:
"The US and the EU have expressed "grave concern" about Sudan's conflict-torn Darfur region, saying the government in Khartoum must rein in Arab militias. "We strongly condemn the human rights violations... particularly by Jingaweit militias," the leaders said in a joint declaration at their summit in Ireland.
Human rights groups accuse Khartoum of backing Arab militia groups that have killed thousands of Africans in Darfur. The fighting in Darfur has driven more than a million people from their homes.
"We express grave concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, western Sudan, where the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians, who live in desperate conditions and require immediate life-saving relief, are at great risk," the declaration said.
At the end of their summit at Dromoland Castle, in County Clare, US President George W Bush and EU leaders again urged the Sudanese government to disarm the militias and allow full access for humanitarian workers.
"We also reiterate that those responsible for the atrocities must be held accountable," the declaration said.
The document was issued as the international community has been gradually increasing pressure on Khartoum to stop with the violence in Darfur that erupted 16 months ago.
On Friday, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he would meet US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Khartoum next week to deal with the conflict. [end of BBC report]
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Note to self - and readers: (1) Does the U.N. have official guidelines which delay U.N. action until situations like Darfur have reached disgraceful proportions? (2) Why is Sudan a member of U.N. Human Rights panel? What are the benefits and responsibilities of membership? What qualifies Sudan as a member?
- - -
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
Sudan is a member of the U.N. Human Rights panel but is in breach of the Universal Declaration. Why has Sudan been getting away with murder for so many years? Why is it calling the shots (excuse the pun), and being treated, like it is in a negotiable position?
How come countries like China (interests in Sudan's oil) and Russia (just delivered 12 new MiGs to Sudan) get to block a draft UN resolution imposing sanctions on Sudan? And how much, if anything, have these countries contributed towards humanitarian assistance for Darfur -- if they have not contributed, why is this so?
Just thought I would ask the questions here, incase anyone can throw any light on the way these things work. Meantime, I'll keep on looking for answers - while keeping an eye on other countries that were (or still are) onside with Khartoum -- including Pakistan, India, Algeria, Brazil - those within the Arab League. I've mainly mentioned China because they have drilling rights - and so do France - in Darfur (but I haven't mentioned this clearly in a post yet because I am still checking my facts and sources). Germany has a huge contract to build a railway from Sudan to Kenya -- loads of development funding is poised for Sudan as soon as the Peace Accords are signed. Banks are opening -- New Sudan Pound is being minted - flags and vehicle licence plates are being sorted - oil pipelines on the drawing board...
- - -
Clive Soley's recent post "Sudan and failing states", reminds me of another email I'd received from my non-blogging friend in England. The email, dated June 26, 2004, contained a link to a BBC report of the same date, "Screams of Sudan's starving refugees" - along with this message: "The pattern of human life, I'm afraid, and likely to be so for many thousands of years. All that 'technology' has done so far is to enable us to participate in these horrors. I repeat: humans in the mass are savages, preying on each other and desperate to survive. That will always be the case as long as there are too many of them competing for limited resources."
In his post (note also his responses here and here) Clive writes that he thinks the challenge of this century is to get better policies in the area of failing states; he thinks Sudan is just the latest in a long line of failed or failing states, and says he very much fears this is going to be the pattern for many years yet (my friend thinks the pattern will be for at least another 5,000+ years).
Clive's post, and my friend's email, made me think again about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I'd like to see it form the basis of all new U.N. policies, papers, debates etc. To my mind, it is a masterpiece - an historic document that serves as a great global message. Surely if we could all aim to adhere to it, the world would be a better place for everyone during their short stay on beautiful planet Earth.
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 11: Jim Moore's post on the Genocide Bloc of China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt clubbing together to help block sanctions, keep out African Union peacekeepers, spread disinformation (such as that Israel is behind the rebels in Sudan), while the genocide burns on.
Aug 11: Passion's post re blog campaign for Sudan reaches toward a new level of awareness ... "Many experts believe that dealing with Sudan, and now the Genocide Bloc, is as relevant as Iraq to overall world security concerns. We are witnessing in Sudan the coming together of a power bloc, anchored by China and operating across the middle east and Africa that does not share western values of democracy and human rights, that is economically powerful and controls a great deal of oil, and that can bring very great problems for the United States, not unlike those of the pre-war Iraq. Imagine, for example, a redrawing of the oil market that brings Saudi oil to China and ends the dependence of the Saudi royal family on interests in the United States. What little leverage we currently have with the Saudis could be gone in a Texas minute."
Aug 11: Interesting view (and unusual too - usually he only writes a few lines) from Patrick - who also points out Jim Moore has suggested that bloggers following this issue should turn their attention to the nations that are acting to enable Sudan's actions: China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Glad to see Patrick has added Russia to his list. I'm still not over Russia's recent rush delivery of MiGs to Sudan.
Aug 10: Passion's post re "China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan - these nations are charter members in the Genocide Bloc. You have heard of the "Soviet Bloc," the "Eastern Bloc," and so forth. Now there is a new bloc, the Genocide Bloc. The nations named above have come together in a dramatic and powerful fashion over the past few weeks, and blazed onto the world scene last weekend in defense of the government of Sudan. These nations share one thing in common in addition to uncritical support for the government of Sudan: they do not respect human rights in their own countries."
ALL HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Here, for the record, is a BBC news online report "Sudan under pressure over Darfur". A non-blogging friend in England emailed it to me on the day it was published, and wrote me: "You might find it rewarding to make contact with the UN and to ask them about the official guidelines which clearly delay UN action until matters (like this one) have reached disgraceful proportions."
The report, dated June, 26, 2004, is copied here in full:
"The US and the EU have expressed "grave concern" about Sudan's conflict-torn Darfur region, saying the government in Khartoum must rein in Arab militias. "We strongly condemn the human rights violations... particularly by Jingaweit militias," the leaders said in a joint declaration at their summit in Ireland.
Human rights groups accuse Khartoum of backing Arab militia groups that have killed thousands of Africans in Darfur. The fighting in Darfur has driven more than a million people from their homes.
"We express grave concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, western Sudan, where the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians, who live in desperate conditions and require immediate life-saving relief, are at great risk," the declaration said.
At the end of their summit at Dromoland Castle, in County Clare, US President George W Bush and EU leaders again urged the Sudanese government to disarm the militias and allow full access for humanitarian workers.
"We also reiterate that those responsible for the atrocities must be held accountable," the declaration said.
The document was issued as the international community has been gradually increasing pressure on Khartoum to stop with the violence in Darfur that erupted 16 months ago.
On Friday, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he would meet US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Khartoum next week to deal with the conflict. [end of BBC report]
- - -
Note to self - and readers: (1) Does the U.N. have official guidelines which delay U.N. action until situations like Darfur have reached disgraceful proportions? (2) Why is Sudan a member of U.N. Human Rights panel? What are the benefits and responsibilities of membership? What qualifies Sudan as a member?
- - -
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
Sudan is a member of the U.N. Human Rights panel but is in breach of the Universal Declaration. Why has Sudan been getting away with murder for so many years? Why is it calling the shots (excuse the pun), and being treated, like it is in a negotiable position?
How come countries like China (interests in Sudan's oil) and Russia (just delivered 12 new MiGs to Sudan) get to block a draft UN resolution imposing sanctions on Sudan? And how much, if anything, have these countries contributed towards humanitarian assistance for Darfur -- if they have not contributed, why is this so?
Just thought I would ask the questions here, incase anyone can throw any light on the way these things work. Meantime, I'll keep on looking for answers - while keeping an eye on other countries that were (or still are) onside with Khartoum -- including Pakistan, India, Algeria, Brazil - those within the Arab League. I've mainly mentioned China because they have drilling rights - and so do France - in Darfur (but I haven't mentioned this clearly in a post yet because I am still checking my facts and sources). Germany has a huge contract to build a railway from Sudan to Kenya -- loads of development funding is poised for Sudan as soon as the Peace Accords are signed. Banks are opening -- New Sudan Pound is being minted - flags and vehicle licence plates are being sorted - oil pipelines on the drawing board...
- - -
Clive Soley's recent post "Sudan and failing states", reminds me of another email I'd received from my non-blogging friend in England. The email, dated June 26, 2004, contained a link to a BBC report of the same date, "Screams of Sudan's starving refugees" - along with this message: "The pattern of human life, I'm afraid, and likely to be so for many thousands of years. All that 'technology' has done so far is to enable us to participate in these horrors. I repeat: humans in the mass are savages, preying on each other and desperate to survive. That will always be the case as long as there are too many of them competing for limited resources."
In his post (note also his responses here and here) Clive writes that he thinks the challenge of this century is to get better policies in the area of failing states; he thinks Sudan is just the latest in a long line of failed or failing states, and says he very much fears this is going to be the pattern for many years yet (my friend thinks the pattern will be for at least another 5,000+ years).
Clive's post, and my friend's email, made me think again about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I'd like to see it form the basis of all new U.N. policies, papers, debates etc. To my mind, it is a masterpiece - an historic document that serves as a great global message. Surely if we could all aim to adhere to it, the world would be a better place for everyone during their short stay on beautiful planet Earth.
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 11: Jim Moore's post on the Genocide Bloc of China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt clubbing together to help block sanctions, keep out African Union peacekeepers, spread disinformation (such as that Israel is behind the rebels in Sudan), while the genocide burns on.
Aug 11: Passion's post re blog campaign for Sudan reaches toward a new level of awareness ... "Many experts believe that dealing with Sudan, and now the Genocide Bloc, is as relevant as Iraq to overall world security concerns. We are witnessing in Sudan the coming together of a power bloc, anchored by China and operating across the middle east and Africa that does not share western values of democracy and human rights, that is economically powerful and controls a great deal of oil, and that can bring very great problems for the United States, not unlike those of the pre-war Iraq. Imagine, for example, a redrawing of the oil market that brings Saudi oil to China and ends the dependence of the Saudi royal family on interests in the United States. What little leverage we currently have with the Saudis could be gone in a Texas minute."
Aug 11: Interesting view (and unusual too - usually he only writes a few lines) from Patrick - who also points out Jim Moore has suggested that bloggers following this issue should turn their attention to the nations that are acting to enable Sudan's actions: China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Glad to see Patrick has added Russia to his list. I'm still not over Russia's recent rush delivery of MiGs to Sudan.
Aug 10: Passion's post re "China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan - these nations are charter members in the Genocide Bloc. You have heard of the "Soviet Bloc," the "Eastern Bloc," and so forth. Now there is a new bloc, the Genocide Bloc. The nations named above have come together in a dramatic and powerful fashion over the past few weeks, and blazed onto the world scene last weekend in defense of the government of Sudan. These nations share one thing in common in addition to uncritical support for the government of Sudan: they do not respect human rights in their own countries."
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/12/2004
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
BRITISH MP CLIVE SOLEY
Blogs about indictments and no fly zone for Darfur
This morning I posted a comment at Clive Soley's blog in response to his post on "Sudan and failing states". Clive has raised two possibilities (1) no fly zone for Darfur (2) indictments. This is a rushed post. More later. Meantime Clive has published a response to the comments received - note his interesting suggestion about an Arab regional group.
In a previous comment at Clive's blog, I found Random Ramblings who feels, quote : "what we should do is put a whole lot of pressure on the African Union to take some action and pay for and heavily support that action in anyway possible (including commitment of troops, even if it's not on a huge scale." - and adds, "there's no time for pussyfooting about because every day we dely another 1000 people die."
Further reading:
Aug 9: Arab resolution on Darfur calls for disarming of militias. The unanimously adopted resolution by Arab foreign ministers on Darfur crisis sets an example of regional and international coordination and cooperation between regional organizations and the UN. This is the first time the UN, AU [African Union] and AL to meet under the AL umbrella to discuss an issue of such importance.
- - -
UK AID EFFORT FOR DARFUR:
Charity bosses have praised UK Government as "brilliant"
Aug 10: Yay for top U.N. donor countries Australia, Canada, Britain, The Netherlands, and U.S.A. It's good to see the UK getting some credit for everything it is doing for Sudan. It's about time Khartoum showed some appreciation and said a word of thanks for all the aid and work being carried out by aid workers from all over the world who are risking their lives to help the people of Sudan, against all odds. Don't hold your breath though, the government of Sudan resents the world's help because it does not want the displaced people saved. The Arabs have moved in to the villages of Darfur and moved into the good homes of those that have fled, sort of like what the Germans did when the Jews were forced from their homes and exterminated.
Charity bosses have praised the UK Government's aid provisions for Sudan's humanitarian crisis as "brilliant". The UK is the third largest donor to the UN's effort in the Darfur region, already giving over £36m - and overall the government has pledged £62.5m.
Christian Aid praised the UK Government for "taking the lead" with humanitarian aid - and told BBC News Online: "The UK did take the lead in terms of aid. But they also took the lead by brokering the deal which got round the bureaucratic barriers and allowed aid agencies access to the people in Darfur."
CA spokeswoman said UK Government could use the same brokering skills to get parties in the Sudan dispute around the negotiating table. But added: "Obviously the most important thing is to get the aid into the areas where it is need - the UK has done brilliantly with that."
"We feel we have been doing as much as we can" - UK Government.
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154 RWANDAN TROOPS INTO DARFUR ON SATURDAY
Nigerian troops could follow on August 25
Aug 10: About 100 African Union (AU) monitors are deployed in Darfur to record and investigate attacks and the Dutch ambassador to Ethiopia said the Netherlands would begin to airlift 154 Rwandan troops into Darfur on Saturday to protect them. Nigerian troops could follow on August 25, the ambassador said.
The AU hopes to increase the proposed number of AU forces protecting the monitors from 360 to about 2,000 and extend their mandate to peacekeeping, which Sudan refuses.
The African Union said rebels and Khartoum had agreed to peace talks in the Nigerian capital Abuja on August 23, but the rebels said they had not received formal invitations and the date was unsuitable, although they welcomed the location.
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SOUTH AFRICA TO SEND TRAINS TO SUDAN
To assist with transportation of aid to Darfur
Aug 10:: President Thabo Mbeki says government will send trains to the war-torn Sudan to assist with the transportation of humanitarian aid in the devastated southern region of Darfur. He said the South African Railways was already hard at work ensuring that the engines were delivered in the strife-torn country.
Humanitarian organisations working in the area have cited logistics such as transportation as a major obstruction to delivering aid to victims of the civil war. South Africa is leading efforts to ensure the post-conflict reconstruction of Sudan under the auspices of the African Union (AU).
President Mbeki said government had already started work in that regard and had had contacts with other countries beyond the continent. President Mbeki will be visiting Sudan in December.
Sudanese Ambassador Kuol Alor Kuol expressed appreciation for South Africa's efforts to rehabilitate Darfur, reaffirming his country's pledge to resolve the catastrophe that has claimed the lives of over 50 000 people have been killed and displaced 1.2 million others.
- - -
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)
To work out a plan for voluntary return of refugees to Darfur
Aug 10: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday it will oversee and assist the voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to safe areas in the troubled Darfur region in western Sudan. The announcement came as part of a recent agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations.
The IOM is dispatching a senior official to Khartoum, capital of Sudan, on Tuesday to discuss the terms of the agreement with the Sudanese government and to work out a plan for the voluntary return of IDPs, IOM spokesman Jean Philippe Chauzy said.
The plan calls on Khartoum to identify parts of Darfur that can be made safe and secure for the return of IDPs, to control the activities of government forces and armed militiamen, to agree to the deployment of military observers, and to demonstrate a political commitment to peace talks.
The plan, drawn up by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail and UN envoy Jan Pronk, will be implemented within 30 days in linewith UN Security Council Resolution 1556. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there are some 1.2 million IDPs in the Darfur region.
Sudan joined the IOM as an observer in 1993 and became a memberof the Geneva-based organization in 1998.
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KHARTOUM INSISTS SECURITY OF DARFUR
Is the responsibility of Sudan alone
BBC report Aug 9: UN had been unable to reach children behind rebel lines in Darfur. African Union has delayed any decision on plans to deploy African peacekeepers to Darfur. Sudan rejected an AU proposal to send some 2,000 peacekeepers in the region saying it could amount to colonialism. Ahead of the AU talks, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ismail warned that the "security of Darfur is the responsibility of Sudan alone".
Note you can't believe a word Ismail says - he is not as wonderous as old Iraq's funny Minister for Information, but he is just as informative. Take any reports out of Khartoum with a pinch of salt - 99.9% of it is total propaganda, utter rubbish, outrageous lies and not even amusing - so it's a waste of reading time. Beware though, the fork tongued lying thugs - will say and do anything to save their own skins -- they are cunningly slick at covering their tracks these past 15 years and are wicked masters of PR -- watch out: the propaganda pops up in the most unexpected places - question reports, even from top news agencies.
- - -
SUDAN STAGES HELICOPTER ATTACKS IN DARFUR
While Janjaweed attack refugees trying to escape
Aug 10: Sudan has carried out fresh helicopter attacks in Darfur while Janjaweed Arab militia forces attacked refugees trying to escape the conflict, the United Nations said in a strongly worded statement. "Fresh violence today (Tuesday) included helicopter gunship bombings by the Sudanese government and Janjaweed attacks in South Darfur. The violence has already led to more displacement," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement in Geneva.
"Janjaweed attacks on internally displaced persons in and around IDP settlements continue to be reported in all three Darfur states," it added. Civilians have previously said Sudan used helicopters and other military aircraft to attack villages in Darfur.
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SUDAN HAMPERING RELIEF WORK
And pressurising refugees to return to unsafe villages
Aug 10: The U.N. in Geneva said the Sudanese government was hampering access to hungry Darfuris by restricting relief flights and causing "major delays" in deployment of aid workers.
The world body also said Sudanese authorities were pressuring traumatised refugees to return to unsafe villages. "We have interviewed people in hospital who tell us they have gone back to the villages, believing the government commitment, and have been shot by Janjaweed raiders," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesman Peter Kessler in Geneva.
"We can't tell if people are being led into a trap -- we would hope not," he added.
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HIGH FLYING AMERICAN DOCTORS
Doctors without Borders in Darfur war zone
American blogger Nick has just started working in emergency medicine. It involves crazy hours and shifts that include being on call to attend emergencies by helicopter. Here's wishing him best of luck that the helicopter gets a shout while he's on call so he can blog about it -- and maybe post pictures. It'd be interesting to read the ins and outs of such an operation. Do the patients have to pay for the whole deal if a helicopter and emergency team comes to their aid? Is the helicopter pad on the roof - or in the grounds of the hospital - do the medics have to learn emergency procedures - like parachuting in case of a bail out.
In Nick's latest post, he writes about his buddy from Boston, Jonathan Spector, who is in the war zone of Darfur right now where he has spent the past two months working for Medecins Sans Frontieres. Best of luck to Jonathan, and best wishes for a safe return home.
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SUDAN IMPRISONING REFUGEES
For talking to foreigners
A human rights group said civilians in Darfur are being routinely imprisoned or harassed by Sudanese authorities for talking to foreigners about the conflict in the remote western area bordering Chad. London-based rights group Amnesty International said in a report Sudan had rounded up scores of people who spoke to journalists and foreign leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, on recent visits to Darfur. Amnesty counted at least 50 people arrested, including 15 men detained at the Abu Shouk camp after Powell's June 30 visit, and another five taken from there after French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier's July 27 trip.
A U.S. State Department official called the reports "of serious concern".
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GENOCIDE UNDERWAY IN DARFUR
Despite EU statement
EU Business - US Senate leader insists "genocide" underway in Darfur, despite EU statement:
In Brussels on Monday, the head of the returning EU delegation, Pieter Feith, said "it is clear there is widespread, silent and slow killing going on and village burning of a fairly large scale" in Darfur, but said: "We are not in the situation of genocide there."
Feith, the personal representative for Sudan of EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana, added that there were "considerable doubts as to the willingness of the government of Sudan to protect the civilian population".
Pressed to justify his use of the word genocide, Frist replied: "The United States through our commander in chief and our secretary of state will make an official stance, whether it is genocide" or not."
Last month, both houses of the US Congress adopted a resolution which declared that "the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide."
Frist said that interviews with about 12,000 refugees and leaders in the region also justified the term.
"The raping of women, the purposeful killing of hundreds of civilians, the widespread burning of villages and the destruction of lives and the racial overtones... all of which put together qualifies as genocide," he said.
- - -
Aug 9: China View reports flash: independent inquiry finds allegations of misconduct by UN oil-for-food serious.
- - -
U.S. TALKS OF DARFUR AS GENOCIDE
But does not consider military intervention as appropriate
Aug 11: Senator majority leader Dr Bill Frist, who has been on a visit to Darfur, described as "genocide" the murder and displacement of thousands of the indigenous black community by Janjaweed Arab militias said to enjoy government backing. Based on accounts of survivors in refugee camps, it was impossible not to conclude the crisis amounted to genocide, Frist said, arguing he disagreed with the European Union report that declined to qualify the atrocities as such.
The US Government will, however, not send soldiers to the region because it does not consider military intervention as appropriate, Frist said. It would instead support an African-sourced peace keeping force that should ideally constitute an equal representation from Khartoum, Sudanese People Liberation Army (SPLA) and the African Union (AU), Frist said. He said the crisis would be easier to tame if the Islamic Government severed links with the Janjaweed and that any continued support for the militia could only worsen the crisis.
Blogs about indictments and no fly zone for Darfur
This morning I posted a comment at Clive Soley's blog in response to his post on "Sudan and failing states". Clive has raised two possibilities (1) no fly zone for Darfur (2) indictments. This is a rushed post. More later. Meantime Clive has published a response to the comments received - note his interesting suggestion about an Arab regional group.
In a previous comment at Clive's blog, I found Random Ramblings who feels, quote : "what we should do is put a whole lot of pressure on the African Union to take some action and pay for and heavily support that action in anyway possible (including commitment of troops, even if it's not on a huge scale." - and adds, "there's no time for pussyfooting about because every day we dely another 1000 people die."
Further reading:
Aug 9: Arab resolution on Darfur calls for disarming of militias. The unanimously adopted resolution by Arab foreign ministers on Darfur crisis sets an example of regional and international coordination and cooperation between regional organizations and the UN. This is the first time the UN, AU [African Union] and AL to meet under the AL umbrella to discuss an issue of such importance.
- - -
UK AID EFFORT FOR DARFUR:
Charity bosses have praised UK Government as "brilliant"
Aug 10: Yay for top U.N. donor countries Australia, Canada, Britain, The Netherlands, and U.S.A. It's good to see the UK getting some credit for everything it is doing for Sudan. It's about time Khartoum showed some appreciation and said a word of thanks for all the aid and work being carried out by aid workers from all over the world who are risking their lives to help the people of Sudan, against all odds. Don't hold your breath though, the government of Sudan resents the world's help because it does not want the displaced people saved. The Arabs have moved in to the villages of Darfur and moved into the good homes of those that have fled, sort of like what the Germans did when the Jews were forced from their homes and exterminated.
Charity bosses have praised the UK Government's aid provisions for Sudan's humanitarian crisis as "brilliant". The UK is the third largest donor to the UN's effort in the Darfur region, already giving over £36m - and overall the government has pledged £62.5m.
Christian Aid praised the UK Government for "taking the lead" with humanitarian aid - and told BBC News Online: "The UK did take the lead in terms of aid. But they also took the lead by brokering the deal which got round the bureaucratic barriers and allowed aid agencies access to the people in Darfur."
CA spokeswoman said UK Government could use the same brokering skills to get parties in the Sudan dispute around the negotiating table. But added: "Obviously the most important thing is to get the aid into the areas where it is need - the UK has done brilliantly with that."
"We feel we have been doing as much as we can" - UK Government.
- - -
154 RWANDAN TROOPS INTO DARFUR ON SATURDAY
Nigerian troops could follow on August 25
Aug 10: About 100 African Union (AU) monitors are deployed in Darfur to record and investigate attacks and the Dutch ambassador to Ethiopia said the Netherlands would begin to airlift 154 Rwandan troops into Darfur on Saturday to protect them. Nigerian troops could follow on August 25, the ambassador said.
The AU hopes to increase the proposed number of AU forces protecting the monitors from 360 to about 2,000 and extend their mandate to peacekeeping, which Sudan refuses.
The African Union said rebels and Khartoum had agreed to peace talks in the Nigerian capital Abuja on August 23, but the rebels said they had not received formal invitations and the date was unsuitable, although they welcomed the location.
- - -
SOUTH AFRICA TO SEND TRAINS TO SUDAN
To assist with transportation of aid to Darfur
Aug 10:: President Thabo Mbeki says government will send trains to the war-torn Sudan to assist with the transportation of humanitarian aid in the devastated southern region of Darfur. He said the South African Railways was already hard at work ensuring that the engines were delivered in the strife-torn country.
Humanitarian organisations working in the area have cited logistics such as transportation as a major obstruction to delivering aid to victims of the civil war. South Africa is leading efforts to ensure the post-conflict reconstruction of Sudan under the auspices of the African Union (AU).
President Mbeki said government had already started work in that regard and had had contacts with other countries beyond the continent. President Mbeki will be visiting Sudan in December.
Sudanese Ambassador Kuol Alor Kuol expressed appreciation for South Africa's efforts to rehabilitate Darfur, reaffirming his country's pledge to resolve the catastrophe that has claimed the lives of over 50 000 people have been killed and displaced 1.2 million others.
- - -
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)
To work out a plan for voluntary return of refugees to Darfur
Aug 10: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday it will oversee and assist the voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to safe areas in the troubled Darfur region in western Sudan. The announcement came as part of a recent agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations.
The IOM is dispatching a senior official to Khartoum, capital of Sudan, on Tuesday to discuss the terms of the agreement with the Sudanese government and to work out a plan for the voluntary return of IDPs, IOM spokesman Jean Philippe Chauzy said.
The plan calls on Khartoum to identify parts of Darfur that can be made safe and secure for the return of IDPs, to control the activities of government forces and armed militiamen, to agree to the deployment of military observers, and to demonstrate a political commitment to peace talks.
The plan, drawn up by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail and UN envoy Jan Pronk, will be implemented within 30 days in linewith UN Security Council Resolution 1556. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there are some 1.2 million IDPs in the Darfur region.
Sudan joined the IOM as an observer in 1993 and became a memberof the Geneva-based organization in 1998.
- - -
KHARTOUM INSISTS SECURITY OF DARFUR
Is the responsibility of Sudan alone
BBC report Aug 9: UN had been unable to reach children behind rebel lines in Darfur. African Union has delayed any decision on plans to deploy African peacekeepers to Darfur. Sudan rejected an AU proposal to send some 2,000 peacekeepers in the region saying it could amount to colonialism. Ahead of the AU talks, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ismail warned that the "security of Darfur is the responsibility of Sudan alone".
Note you can't believe a word Ismail says - he is not as wonderous as old Iraq's funny Minister for Information, but he is just as informative. Take any reports out of Khartoum with a pinch of salt - 99.9% of it is total propaganda, utter rubbish, outrageous lies and not even amusing - so it's a waste of reading time. Beware though, the fork tongued lying thugs - will say and do anything to save their own skins -- they are cunningly slick at covering their tracks these past 15 years and are wicked masters of PR -- watch out: the propaganda pops up in the most unexpected places - question reports, even from top news agencies.
- - -
SUDAN STAGES HELICOPTER ATTACKS IN DARFUR
While Janjaweed attack refugees trying to escape
Aug 10: Sudan has carried out fresh helicopter attacks in Darfur while Janjaweed Arab militia forces attacked refugees trying to escape the conflict, the United Nations said in a strongly worded statement. "Fresh violence today (Tuesday) included helicopter gunship bombings by the Sudanese government and Janjaweed attacks in South Darfur. The violence has already led to more displacement," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement in Geneva.
"Janjaweed attacks on internally displaced persons in and around IDP settlements continue to be reported in all three Darfur states," it added. Civilians have previously said Sudan used helicopters and other military aircraft to attack villages in Darfur.
- - -
SUDAN HAMPERING RELIEF WORK
And pressurising refugees to return to unsafe villages
Aug 10: The U.N. in Geneva said the Sudanese government was hampering access to hungry Darfuris by restricting relief flights and causing "major delays" in deployment of aid workers.
The world body also said Sudanese authorities were pressuring traumatised refugees to return to unsafe villages. "We have interviewed people in hospital who tell us they have gone back to the villages, believing the government commitment, and have been shot by Janjaweed raiders," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesman Peter Kessler in Geneva.
"We can't tell if people are being led into a trap -- we would hope not," he added.
- - -
HIGH FLYING AMERICAN DOCTORS
Doctors without Borders in Darfur war zone
American blogger Nick has just started working in emergency medicine. It involves crazy hours and shifts that include being on call to attend emergencies by helicopter. Here's wishing him best of luck that the helicopter gets a shout while he's on call so he can blog about it -- and maybe post pictures. It'd be interesting to read the ins and outs of such an operation. Do the patients have to pay for the whole deal if a helicopter and emergency team comes to their aid? Is the helicopter pad on the roof - or in the grounds of the hospital - do the medics have to learn emergency procedures - like parachuting in case of a bail out.
In Nick's latest post, he writes about his buddy from Boston, Jonathan Spector, who is in the war zone of Darfur right now where he has spent the past two months working for Medecins Sans Frontieres. Best of luck to Jonathan, and best wishes for a safe return home.
- - -
SUDAN IMPRISONING REFUGEES
For talking to foreigners
A human rights group said civilians in Darfur are being routinely imprisoned or harassed by Sudanese authorities for talking to foreigners about the conflict in the remote western area bordering Chad. London-based rights group Amnesty International said in a report Sudan had rounded up scores of people who spoke to journalists and foreign leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, on recent visits to Darfur. Amnesty counted at least 50 people arrested, including 15 men detained at the Abu Shouk camp after Powell's June 30 visit, and another five taken from there after French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier's July 27 trip.
A U.S. State Department official called the reports "of serious concern".
- - -
GENOCIDE UNDERWAY IN DARFUR
Despite EU statement
EU Business - US Senate leader insists "genocide" underway in Darfur, despite EU statement:
In Brussels on Monday, the head of the returning EU delegation, Pieter Feith, said "it is clear there is widespread, silent and slow killing going on and village burning of a fairly large scale" in Darfur, but said: "We are not in the situation of genocide there."
Feith, the personal representative for Sudan of EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana, added that there were "considerable doubts as to the willingness of the government of Sudan to protect the civilian population".
Pressed to justify his use of the word genocide, Frist replied: "The United States through our commander in chief and our secretary of state will make an official stance, whether it is genocide" or not."
Last month, both houses of the US Congress adopted a resolution which declared that "the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide."
Frist said that interviews with about 12,000 refugees and leaders in the region also justified the term.
"The raping of women, the purposeful killing of hundreds of civilians, the widespread burning of villages and the destruction of lives and the racial overtones... all of which put together qualifies as genocide," he said.
- - -
Aug 9: China View reports flash: independent inquiry finds allegations of misconduct by UN oil-for-food serious.
- - -
U.S. TALKS OF DARFUR AS GENOCIDE
But does not consider military intervention as appropriate
Aug 11: Senator majority leader Dr Bill Frist, who has been on a visit to Darfur, described as "genocide" the murder and displacement of thousands of the indigenous black community by Janjaweed Arab militias said to enjoy government backing. Based on accounts of survivors in refugee camps, it was impossible not to conclude the crisis amounted to genocide, Frist said, arguing he disagreed with the European Union report that declined to qualify the atrocities as such.
The US Government will, however, not send soldiers to the region because it does not consider military intervention as appropriate, Frist said. It would instead support an African-sourced peace keeping force that should ideally constitute an equal representation from Khartoum, Sudanese People Liberation Army (SPLA) and the African Union (AU), Frist said. He said the crisis would be easier to tame if the Islamic Government severed links with the Janjaweed and that any continued support for the militia could only worsen the crisis.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/11/2004
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
EU MAY SEND POLICE REINFORCEMENTS TO SUDAN
Brussels offer Khartoum EU police advisors
Aug 9: The European Union (EU) confirms Brussels is looking to work with the Sudanese government to defuse the crisis, and mentioned the possibility of sending police reinforcements to operate under Sudanese command. It offered that EU police advisors be positioned and deployed in the chain of command of Sudanese police forces, stressing that such a step would need approval from all 25 EU member states.
Brussels offer Khartoum EU police advisors
Aug 9: The European Union (EU) confirms Brussels is looking to work with the Sudanese government to defuse the crisis, and mentioned the possibility of sending police reinforcements to operate under Sudanese command. It offered that EU police advisors be positioned and deployed in the chain of command of Sudanese police forces, stressing that such a step would need approval from all 25 EU member states.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/10/2004
Monday, August 09, 2004
KHARTOUM 'BEHIND DARFUR KILLINGS'
Overwhelming evidence of crimes against humanity
A top U.N. human rights investigator released a scathing report Friday that blames the government of Sudan for atrocities against its civilians in the Darfur region. The United Nations investigator on executions has blamed Sudan's government for extra-judicial killings in the western region of Darfur.
Today, the EU report no genocide in Darfur but large-scale killings. The UN investigator said the killings amounted to crimes against humanity. "It is beyond doubt that the Government of the Sudan is responsible for extrajudicial and summary executions of large numbers of people over the last several months in the Darfur region, as well as in the Shilook Kingdom in Upper Nile State," said Jahangir, in the report based on a 13-day visit to the region in June.
"The current humanitarian disaster unfolding in Darfur, for which the government is largely responsible, has put millions of civilians at risk, and it is very likely that many will die in the months to come as a result of starvation and disease," she said.
Jahangir said there was "overwhelming evidence" that the killing was conducted "in a coordinated manner by the armed forces of the government and government-backed militias. They appear to be carried out in a systematic manner."
The scale of violations means they "could constitute crimes against humanity for which the government of the Sudan must bear responsibility," she said.
"I remain seriously concerned at the very slow and negligent reaction of the government towards the situation unfolding in Darfur," Jahangir said. "Such a reaction despite the huge international outcry would appear to indicate either complete disrespect for the right to life of the population of Darfur, or, at worst, complicity in the events."
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 5: BBC report "Analysis: Reining in the militia"
[Note: Google's definition of Mujahideen = a military force of Muslim guerilla warriors engaged in a jihad; some call the mujahidin international warriors but others just call them terrorists]
Aug 9: International Medical Corps (IMC) has a rapid response team in Darfur, and is coordinating with the UN and other agencies to meet the most immediate and basic human needs, such as food, shelter, clean water, sanitation and health care.
The gaps in coverage are tremendous. Of the one million displaced persons and 200,000 residents of host communities in Darfur, it is estimated that nearly half had not received food assistance, non-food items or shelter materials as of July 1; 62% had no access to clean water; 87% lived in areas without proper sanitation; and 63% lacked access to primary health care. In addition, 80% of children under five had no access to treatment for malnutrition.
Beyond the staggering number of people in need of assistance, accessibility is a major issue. Sudan is roughly one quarter the size of the United States, yet it has just one one-thousandth the miles of paved highways. As of July 1, the displaced were scattered across more than 80 makeshift camps in an area approximately the size of France, wide stretches of which are either partially or totally inaccessible during the June to September rainy season. As a result, delivering supplies often requires using airplanes, devouring funds that would otherwise be used to staff clinics or purchase medicines.
Overwhelming evidence of crimes against humanity
A top U.N. human rights investigator released a scathing report Friday that blames the government of Sudan for atrocities against its civilians in the Darfur region. The United Nations investigator on executions has blamed Sudan's government for extra-judicial killings in the western region of Darfur.
Today, the EU report no genocide in Darfur but large-scale killings. The UN investigator said the killings amounted to crimes against humanity. "It is beyond doubt that the Government of the Sudan is responsible for extrajudicial and summary executions of large numbers of people over the last several months in the Darfur region, as well as in the Shilook Kingdom in Upper Nile State," said Jahangir, in the report based on a 13-day visit to the region in June.
"The current humanitarian disaster unfolding in Darfur, for which the government is largely responsible, has put millions of civilians at risk, and it is very likely that many will die in the months to come as a result of starvation and disease," she said.
Jahangir said there was "overwhelming evidence" that the killing was conducted "in a coordinated manner by the armed forces of the government and government-backed militias. They appear to be carried out in a systematic manner."
The scale of violations means they "could constitute crimes against humanity for which the government of the Sudan must bear responsibility," she said.
"I remain seriously concerned at the very slow and negligent reaction of the government towards the situation unfolding in Darfur," Jahangir said. "Such a reaction despite the huge international outcry would appear to indicate either complete disrespect for the right to life of the population of Darfur, or, at worst, complicity in the events."
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 5: BBC report "Analysis: Reining in the militia"
[Note: Google's definition of Mujahideen = a military force of Muslim guerilla warriors engaged in a jihad; some call the mujahidin international warriors but others just call them terrorists]
Aug 9: International Medical Corps (IMC) has a rapid response team in Darfur, and is coordinating with the UN and other agencies to meet the most immediate and basic human needs, such as food, shelter, clean water, sanitation and health care.
The gaps in coverage are tremendous. Of the one million displaced persons and 200,000 residents of host communities in Darfur, it is estimated that nearly half had not received food assistance, non-food items or shelter materials as of July 1; 62% had no access to clean water; 87% lived in areas without proper sanitation; and 63% lacked access to primary health care. In addition, 80% of children under five had no access to treatment for malnutrition.
Beyond the staggering number of people in need of assistance, accessibility is a major issue. Sudan is roughly one quarter the size of the United States, yet it has just one one-thousandth the miles of paved highways. As of July 1, the displaced were scattered across more than 80 makeshift camps in an area approximately the size of France, wide stretches of which are either partially or totally inaccessible during the June to September rainy season. As a result, delivering supplies often requires using airplanes, devouring funds that would otherwise be used to staff clinics or purchase medicines.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/09/2004
Sunday, August 08, 2004
DEMONS OF DARFUR
Admit their orders came from Khartoum
Below is a copy of my first post at Passion of the Present:
Today, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper contains a report entitled "Demons of Darfur admit their orders came from Sudanese leaders". The report, authored by Stuart Ramsay in Hamir Berungha, Darfur, is copied here in full - with thanks to Times Online:
ELDERS from the Janjaweed Arab militia blamed for the world’s worst refugee crisis have confirmed they were mobilised by Sudan’s government last year to suppress a black peasant revolt in Darfur, and that they are still receiving orders from Khartoum.
In a rare interview last week, the elders said they were willing to lay down their arms, but only if told to do so by their government sponsors.
On a hill in Hamir Berungha, overlooking the plains of south Darfur, the Janjaweed gathered in a circle, their white cloaks billowing in the wind. They murmured in unison to the chant of a religious leader, daggers held in the air. Camouflage-clad youths waited nearby with AK-47 automatic rifles slung over their shoulders.
“Last year they came to us and asked us to fight. We gave men and we attacked the villages they were using. We did what they asked of us,” said Emir Ali Maljurhim, one of the elders, speaking through a translator.
Khartoum insists there is no connection between its forces and the militia and, on Friday, it promised to set up safe areas for uprooted black Africans from Darfur and to disarm any marauding Janjaweed. The “plan of action for Darfur” was reached after talks with Jan Pronk, a United Nations envoy, and if successful would help Sudan avoid sanctions. It is expected to be ratified by the UN tomorrow.
But the Janjaweed — the Demons of Darfur — are far removed from the diplomatic niceties of UN headquarters in New York. Maljurhim’s interview — along with others conducted with local government employees and the Sudanese army — present a frightening picture of a scorched earth policy that is continuing.
Hamir Berungha, six hours’ drive from Nyala, the regional capital, has seen some of the worst violence. As many as 100,000 fled the area in days, leaving only the Arab militias and the few farmers rich enough to pay them off.
As the Janjaweed debated last week, arguments developed between the elders and the militant youths, who want to fight all outsiders — including any UN-backed force. Meanwhile Maljurhim expressed regret at the violence and said the Arabs and the Fur, the dominant African tribe, could live peacefully.
“We ask Khartoum to come and reorient us,” he said. “The government has told us to disarm everyone and we are doing it. But we need to see how this will happen.”
As we left the hillside, an African farmer approached. Speaking English to avoid retribution, Yahaie Mohammed said his family had paid to stop their village being attacked.
But he added that the terror was continuing. “They are here among us, now. I can’t point to them, but you were speaking with them,” he said. “They say there is peace here but there is not. The burning, the stealing of animals and the killing took place — that is why the people left. The Arabs, they are lying.”
Some countries have been critical of the international response to the violence, and France has sent 200 soldiers to Chad to help Sudanese refugees crossing the border.
[Stuart Ramsay is the Sky News Africa Correspondent]
Admit their orders came from Khartoum
Below is a copy of my first post at Passion of the Present:
Today, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper contains a report entitled "Demons of Darfur admit their orders came from Sudanese leaders". The report, authored by Stuart Ramsay in Hamir Berungha, Darfur, is copied here in full - with thanks to Times Online:
ELDERS from the Janjaweed Arab militia blamed for the world’s worst refugee crisis have confirmed they were mobilised by Sudan’s government last year to suppress a black peasant revolt in Darfur, and that they are still receiving orders from Khartoum.
In a rare interview last week, the elders said they were willing to lay down their arms, but only if told to do so by their government sponsors.
On a hill in Hamir Berungha, overlooking the plains of south Darfur, the Janjaweed gathered in a circle, their white cloaks billowing in the wind. They murmured in unison to the chant of a religious leader, daggers held in the air. Camouflage-clad youths waited nearby with AK-47 automatic rifles slung over their shoulders.
“Last year they came to us and asked us to fight. We gave men and we attacked the villages they were using. We did what they asked of us,” said Emir Ali Maljurhim, one of the elders, speaking through a translator.
Khartoum insists there is no connection between its forces and the militia and, on Friday, it promised to set up safe areas for uprooted black Africans from Darfur and to disarm any marauding Janjaweed. The “plan of action for Darfur” was reached after talks with Jan Pronk, a United Nations envoy, and if successful would help Sudan avoid sanctions. It is expected to be ratified by the UN tomorrow.
But the Janjaweed — the Demons of Darfur — are far removed from the diplomatic niceties of UN headquarters in New York. Maljurhim’s interview — along with others conducted with local government employees and the Sudanese army — present a frightening picture of a scorched earth policy that is continuing.
Hamir Berungha, six hours’ drive from Nyala, the regional capital, has seen some of the worst violence. As many as 100,000 fled the area in days, leaving only the Arab militias and the few farmers rich enough to pay them off.
As the Janjaweed debated last week, arguments developed between the elders and the militant youths, who want to fight all outsiders — including any UN-backed force. Meanwhile Maljurhim expressed regret at the violence and said the Arabs and the Fur, the dominant African tribe, could live peacefully.
“We ask Khartoum to come and reorient us,” he said. “The government has told us to disarm everyone and we are doing it. But we need to see how this will happen.”
As we left the hillside, an African farmer approached. Speaking English to avoid retribution, Yahaie Mohammed said his family had paid to stop their village being attacked.
But he added that the terror was continuing. “They are here among us, now. I can’t point to them, but you were speaking with them,” he said. “They say there is peace here but there is not. The burning, the stealing of animals and the killing took place — that is why the people left. The Arabs, they are lying.”
Some countries have been critical of the international response to the violence, and France has sent 200 soldiers to Chad to help Sudanese refugees crossing the border.
[Stuart Ramsay is the Sky News Africa Correspondent]
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/08/2004
Friday, August 06, 2004
JIM MOORE'S PASSION BLOG
Picked as Top blog by the Guardian UK
The Guardian has just gone up in my estimation. It has picked Jim Moore's blog Passion of the Present as a Top blog. What an achievement, especially since it's only been going for three months.
Last year, I went off the Guardian when it gave its Best of British Blog award to a supposed London call girl going by the name of Bella du Jour. There were so many great blogs to choose from, I got mad at the Guardian for picking a blog that one couldn't even quote from because the posts were too graphic with x-rated details. I don't want to have to look at pervs in my stats. I once wrote here about a friend who'd turned down offers to appear in the centre pages of Playboy magazine; and a post about Ophelia's fur coat all shiny and new... in my stats for a while I got searches turning up looking for naked celebrities in shiny new fur coats. That's nothing compared to what turns up in other blog stats.
Congrats to Jim and friends at the Passion for the well deserved accolade. Keep up the great work - and thanks for all the kind words and links.
Hey and guess what else? I've just received this email from Jim (hope he doesn't mind me posting this - I'm trying to cut corners on publishing - usually I ask permission first but I can't wait - need to go to sleep):
Hi Ingrid,
As usual, you are doing wonderful work on Sudan, and we also appreciate your continual pointing to us and supporting the effort.
Would you want to write on POtP directly? I've been thinking about asking you for some time, and both Zephyr Teachout and Joanne (the very anonymous one!) agree it would be wonderful if you want to do so. We very much like your personal, fact-based, thoughtful and impassioned voice. And it would be great to have UK and (and European, where possible) perspective and action suggestions.
Let me know what you think..
If you want to go ahead and give it a whirl I will send you a typepad "official" invitation with a link and password to the site.
Thanks so very much for all you are doing!
Warm regards, Jim
- - -
Of course, I would love to help as much as I am able. Crumbs. Three blogs. My cup runneth over. Now I'm on a blogging break. Ummm. Pressure. I'm going to have to find the extra energy from somewhere. Don't know where. Except maybe I need a new cook. Current one needs too much of my input and supervision. Which is wasting precious energy. I'll have a chat with her tomorrow. *groan* I hate those kind of chats. It's amazing how many people do not know some of the most important things in life: about food and how to cook it -- and how to swim.
- - -
Heh check out Jim's photo -- he's not wearing any socks! I know -- it's fashionable *yawn* but I have a thing about cold feet -- the thought of cold or warm feet sticking to the insoles and shoes rubbing against bare heel doesn't sound comfy to me at all.
Right now, it's summer hot outside. I am stretched out on a 7' long couch that's covered with a big soft blanket. I'm wearing a white cotton blouse that has fine black and navy blue pin stripes (my favourite - it's made by Whistles in London and must be made from Austrian cotton because it feels great and looks ironed even when it never is) and light beige cotton capri trousers. Sitting on top of the black cotton socks I'm wearing, is a big duck down feather pillow. There's a large pillow underneath this powerbook on my lap. And I'm leaning back on 2 duck down feather pillows, one Dunlipo pillow, and 2 big couch cushions. It sure is cosy. And nice and warm too. No cold feet here. Not ever :)
PS If anyone's wondering about the anonymous Joanne that Jim refers to in his email: it's his shy wife, Joanne Moore. I'd read about her in a Harvard news article following Kofi Annan's speech. She is an artist. Jim is a good egg -- so no doubt his wife is too. Wish they had a cat. A house is not a home without a cat ;-)
Picked as Top blog by the Guardian UK
The Guardian has just gone up in my estimation. It has picked Jim Moore's blog Passion of the Present as a Top blog. What an achievement, especially since it's only been going for three months.
Last year, I went off the Guardian when it gave its Best of British Blog award to a supposed London call girl going by the name of Bella du Jour. There were so many great blogs to choose from, I got mad at the Guardian for picking a blog that one couldn't even quote from because the posts were too graphic with x-rated details. I don't want to have to look at pervs in my stats. I once wrote here about a friend who'd turned down offers to appear in the centre pages of Playboy magazine; and a post about Ophelia's fur coat all shiny and new... in my stats for a while I got searches turning up looking for naked celebrities in shiny new fur coats. That's nothing compared to what turns up in other blog stats.
Congrats to Jim and friends at the Passion for the well deserved accolade. Keep up the great work - and thanks for all the kind words and links.
Hey and guess what else? I've just received this email from Jim (hope he doesn't mind me posting this - I'm trying to cut corners on publishing - usually I ask permission first but I can't wait - need to go to sleep):
Hi Ingrid,
As usual, you are doing wonderful work on Sudan, and we also appreciate your continual pointing to us and supporting the effort.
Would you want to write on POtP directly? I've been thinking about asking you for some time, and both Zephyr Teachout and Joanne (the very anonymous one!) agree it would be wonderful if you want to do so. We very much like your personal, fact-based, thoughtful and impassioned voice. And it would be great to have UK and (and European, where possible) perspective and action suggestions.
Let me know what you think..
If you want to go ahead and give it a whirl I will send you a typepad "official" invitation with a link and password to the site.
Thanks so very much for all you are doing!
Warm regards, Jim
- - -
Of course, I would love to help as much as I am able. Crumbs. Three blogs. My cup runneth over. Now I'm on a blogging break. Ummm. Pressure. I'm going to have to find the extra energy from somewhere. Don't know where. Except maybe I need a new cook. Current one needs too much of my input and supervision. Which is wasting precious energy. I'll have a chat with her tomorrow. *groan* I hate those kind of chats. It's amazing how many people do not know some of the most important things in life: about food and how to cook it -- and how to swim.
- - -
Heh check out Jim's photo -- he's not wearing any socks! I know -- it's fashionable *yawn* but I have a thing about cold feet -- the thought of cold or warm feet sticking to the insoles and shoes rubbing against bare heel doesn't sound comfy to me at all.
Right now, it's summer hot outside. I am stretched out on a 7' long couch that's covered with a big soft blanket. I'm wearing a white cotton blouse that has fine black and navy blue pin stripes (my favourite - it's made by Whistles in London and must be made from Austrian cotton because it feels great and looks ironed even when it never is) and light beige cotton capri trousers. Sitting on top of the black cotton socks I'm wearing, is a big duck down feather pillow. There's a large pillow underneath this powerbook on my lap. And I'm leaning back on 2 duck down feather pillows, one Dunlipo pillow, and 2 big couch cushions. It sure is cosy. And nice and warm too. No cold feet here. Not ever :)
PS If anyone's wondering about the anonymous Joanne that Jim refers to in his email: it's his shy wife, Joanne Moore. I'd read about her in a Harvard news article following Kofi Annan's speech. She is an artist. Jim is a good egg -- so no doubt his wife is too. Wish they had a cat. A house is not a home without a cat ;-)
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/06/2004
- - -
MSF DOCTOR BLOGS FROM THE SUDAN?
Sudan Journal authored by an American blogging doctor?
Here is another good post by Patrick: he found two news blogs - a Live Journal blog entitled "The undeclared genocide in Darfur, Sudan" - and a blog authored by an American doctor with MSF in the Sudan! Wow Pat. Thanks.
Note to Nick re Sudan Journal. Seems it's authored by a doctor from Medecins Sans Frontieres, presently doing relief work in Kass, Sudan. Is he the friend you spoke of? If so, great. If not, then your friend ought to take up my suggestion and start a blog - even if he has to send you the posts by sat phone!
I've not had time to read it all, but here are a few snippets I've extracted from Sudan Journal:
"The government of Sudan provide free Internet access to anyone who has a phone line."
And get this:
"There was a riot in one of the big IDP camps two days ago. Apparently the GoS was trying to force a group to return to their home against their will. A riot ensued which flattened the UNICEF compound on the day that a couple of good-will embassadors were supposed to visit. Guess they need to work harder on generating that good will."
- - -
Update Friday morning: This morning I received an email from Patrick and replied with a note of thanks for his work on the new blog. I pointed him to my latest post, and sent him a copy of the comment Nick left here last night - and my response - re the Sudan Journal. Here is a copy of the two comments:
-- Hmmm.. My friend is a pediatrician from Boston, and this looks like an epidemiologist from Tucson. Plus, the man's style different, and he left two weeks afterwards. My buddy should be back in three weeks, at which time I will urge him to share some news. The risks we talked about before -- overstepping MSF, compromising operations, alerting the enemy... all still apply. I hope this writer has given this some thought. Nick | Email | Homepage | 08.06.04 - 2:47 am | #
-- So glad you're here to comment Nick, thanks. Somehow, I didn't think it was your friend - even if the ID details were changed. I even wondered how we would know that the author is for real, ie on the ground in Sudan. Seems to me MSF are awfully cautious about remaining a-political: the information given out about the GoS I found surprising but was too tired to comment on last night (note the time of my post) I was up until 2am because it took me ages to complete publishing the post. One would think MSF is in areas where there are no phone lines. How can we ever know if the blog is genuine? Seems the Bella du Jour blog I mentioned was authored by a professional writer - and there's speculation that the author is a man. Whatever, the difference with the Sudan Journal is there are comments and links and stuff....I'd be interested to know if you or anyone else have any clues on this... I am sceptical and need to read the blog more closely today. Bye for now. Ingrid | Email | Homepage | 08.06.04 - 9:44 am | #
A few minutes ago, I received this email from Patrick
Hi Ingrid, First and foremost, my post on the Sudan Journal. I removed it immediately once I read your friend's comment. I hope it hasn't gotten into Google's cache yet.
It really made me pause to think about my responsibilities here. I don't know if happened to have read through the comments on my site, but there a couple of really quite long posts that seemed to support a pro-GoS position. Who knows, maybe it was someone from the Sudanese Embassy.
I just mention this because I really fell like i dropped the ball by posting that right away. I did do a bit of spot checking that seemed to support that MSF was in fact in Kass, but the writer could be doing the very same thing. And even if the story is true, perhaps it isn't wise to publicize it, as your friend mentions. So it's going back on the backburner for now. Best, Pat.
Now, I'm not sure what to do for the best. If I delete my post here, I don't get a chance to warn bloggers not to give it publicity. If I leave the post in but break the link, readers might go searching for the blog, and give it Google juice.
For the moment, until I get some advice, I have decided to leave the post in -- with this update -- and request that bloggers do not give Sudan Journal any links or publicity. Like Patrick says, even if the story is true, perhaps it isn't wise to publicise it. Thanks Nick and Patrick. I have inserted question marks against the title.
So really my question is: should I delete all reference to this story, like it never appeared here? If the blog turns out to be a blogging doctor at MSF, he/she is likely to get into trouble. If the blog is authored by someone looking to discredit MSF or produce propaganda for the government of Sudan, it raises an interesting question: how do we know the authors behind weblogs and websites are who they say they are?
Perhaps the future of blogosphere will consist of millions of small communities of people who, for one reason or another, have enough reason to trust the bloggers they are interacting with online. Weblogs are a great tool for propaganda - memes spread real fast. One things for sure: we need to be over cautious when reading blogs and not take them on face value.
MSF DOCTOR BLOGS FROM THE SUDAN?
Sudan Journal authored by an American blogging doctor?
Here is another good post by Patrick: he found two news blogs - a Live Journal blog entitled "The undeclared genocide in Darfur, Sudan" - and a blog authored by an American doctor with MSF in the Sudan! Wow Pat. Thanks.
Note to Nick re Sudan Journal. Seems it's authored by a doctor from Medecins Sans Frontieres, presently doing relief work in Kass, Sudan. Is he the friend you spoke of? If so, great. If not, then your friend ought to take up my suggestion and start a blog - even if he has to send you the posts by sat phone!
I've not had time to read it all, but here are a few snippets I've extracted from Sudan Journal:
"The government of Sudan provide free Internet access to anyone who has a phone line."
And get this:
"There was a riot in one of the big IDP camps two days ago. Apparently the GoS was trying to force a group to return to their home against their will. A riot ensued which flattened the UNICEF compound on the day that a couple of good-will embassadors were supposed to visit. Guess they need to work harder on generating that good will."
- - -
Update Friday morning: This morning I received an email from Patrick and replied with a note of thanks for his work on the new blog. I pointed him to my latest post, and sent him a copy of the comment Nick left here last night - and my response - re the Sudan Journal. Here is a copy of the two comments:
-- Hmmm.. My friend is a pediatrician from Boston, and this looks like an epidemiologist from Tucson. Plus, the man's style different, and he left two weeks afterwards. My buddy should be back in three weeks, at which time I will urge him to share some news. The risks we talked about before -- overstepping MSF, compromising operations, alerting the enemy... all still apply. I hope this writer has given this some thought. Nick | Email | Homepage | 08.06.04 - 2:47 am | #
-- So glad you're here to comment Nick, thanks. Somehow, I didn't think it was your friend - even if the ID details were changed. I even wondered how we would know that the author is for real, ie on the ground in Sudan. Seems to me MSF are awfully cautious about remaining a-political: the information given out about the GoS I found surprising but was too tired to comment on last night (note the time of my post) I was up until 2am because it took me ages to complete publishing the post. One would think MSF is in areas where there are no phone lines. How can we ever know if the blog is genuine? Seems the Bella du Jour blog I mentioned was authored by a professional writer - and there's speculation that the author is a man. Whatever, the difference with the Sudan Journal is there are comments and links and stuff....I'd be interested to know if you or anyone else have any clues on this... I am sceptical and need to read the blog more closely today. Bye for now. Ingrid | Email | Homepage | 08.06.04 - 9:44 am | #
A few minutes ago, I received this email from Patrick
Hi Ingrid, First and foremost, my post on the Sudan Journal. I removed it immediately once I read your friend's comment. I hope it hasn't gotten into Google's cache yet.
It really made me pause to think about my responsibilities here. I don't know if happened to have read through the comments on my site, but there a couple of really quite long posts that seemed to support a pro-GoS position. Who knows, maybe it was someone from the Sudanese Embassy.
I just mention this because I really fell like i dropped the ball by posting that right away. I did do a bit of spot checking that seemed to support that MSF was in fact in Kass, but the writer could be doing the very same thing. And even if the story is true, perhaps it isn't wise to publicize it, as your friend mentions. So it's going back on the backburner for now. Best, Pat.
Now, I'm not sure what to do for the best. If I delete my post here, I don't get a chance to warn bloggers not to give it publicity. If I leave the post in but break the link, readers might go searching for the blog, and give it Google juice.
For the moment, until I get some advice, I have decided to leave the post in -- with this update -- and request that bloggers do not give Sudan Journal any links or publicity. Like Patrick says, even if the story is true, perhaps it isn't wise to publicise it. Thanks Nick and Patrick. I have inserted question marks against the title.
So really my question is: should I delete all reference to this story, like it never appeared here? If the blog turns out to be a blogging doctor at MSF, he/she is likely to get into trouble. If the blog is authored by someone looking to discredit MSF or produce propaganda for the government of Sudan, it raises an interesting question: how do we know the authors behind weblogs and websites are who they say they are?
Perhaps the future of blogosphere will consist of millions of small communities of people who, for one reason or another, have enough reason to trust the bloggers they are interacting with online. Weblogs are a great tool for propaganda - memes spread real fast. One things for sure: we need to be over cautious when reading blogs and not take them on face value.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/06/2004
- - -
MY NEW BLOG "A BREATH OF HOPE"
Is now a group blog
Yesterday, I messed around with my new blog A Breath of Hope. And changed the template. I like the font but wasn't keen on some of the fancy design bits and bobs. I like plain.
Last week, American blogger Patrick Hall at The Horn of Africa blog kindly emailed me offering to do any tweaks so I could concentrate on blogging. Tweaking stuff takes me hours. So I took up his offer, and entered his details into my settings to make him a member of the new blog.
To my surprise, Patrick's name showed up in the sidebar under the heading of "contributor". I apologised to Patrick in the comments and said I would delete it. But then I got to thinking. Maybe it was a good thing. I may have trouble keeping up a second blog. My voice feels different over there. Like being in the guest room here at home. It feels kind of strange.
I'm a regular reader of Patricks and enjoy his neat posts. He must trawl a lot of stuff to find the unusual and timely stuff he comes up with on the Sudan. He's bound to come across news of the aid agencies. That's how the idea of turning it into a group blog came to me. So I invited Patrick, he's accepted and I've set him up as an administrator for him to access the template any time.
This morning, I emailed Patrick my wish list of tweaks. This afternoon I spent a few hours publishing at the new blog. I kept getting interrupted here. Phone ringing. Painter/decorator popping his head through the open window to chat. Just as I was about to post, I noticed he was ready to wash a paint brush sitting in a pot still containing half an inch of white undercoat acrylic paint. So, I asked to borrow brush and pot to touch up a few nicks on the woodwork around internal door jambs. Seems my cleaner must be a bit heavy handed with the vacuum cleaner. I can't think what else would cause the paintwork to chip so near to the floor. There's been no furniture moves, nothing gets knocked against the woodwork - except the vacuum. And I don't use the vacuum. I used to love vacuuming. True. There's an art to good vacuuming you know :-)
And then I remembered when the new windows were installed, the workmen chipped some of the paint on the wooden frames. So I touched up the nicks. With still a quarter inch of paint left, I went hunting around on my knees looking for nicks. It's amazing what you see when you crouch down to Ophelia's level and look very closely at things. Then I remembered the bathroom ledge...and a piece of wood near the kitchen sink....and down the side of the the back door.
After 20 minutes I'd used up the paint and washed the brush nice and clean. Last year, I'd used Tippex White Out on one door jamb (my brother squeezed a wardrobe through one doorway and scraped a little paint). Today the Tippex got painted over. Heh. Knee joints and spine are tingling numb, throat hurts and I feel ill all over. But nevermind. It's better than looking at some annoying nicks in the paintwork. Good job done.
Then I published the post at the new blog. Went to view and found that while I'd been painting, Patrick had visited and done some tweaks. Hey, this is great. Sort of like having company. The blog was blue - now it is Swiss Red Cross red, it has links inserted and a Google search bar. Fancy bits and a wavy lines have gone. And the colour of the titles changed to red. Thanks Patrick! Look forward to reading your first post :-)
MY NEW BLOG "A BREATH OF HOPE"
Is now a group blog
Yesterday, I messed around with my new blog A Breath of Hope. And changed the template. I like the font but wasn't keen on some of the fancy design bits and bobs. I like plain.
Last week, American blogger Patrick Hall at The Horn of Africa blog kindly emailed me offering to do any tweaks so I could concentrate on blogging. Tweaking stuff takes me hours. So I took up his offer, and entered his details into my settings to make him a member of the new blog.
To my surprise, Patrick's name showed up in the sidebar under the heading of "contributor". I apologised to Patrick in the comments and said I would delete it. But then I got to thinking. Maybe it was a good thing. I may have trouble keeping up a second blog. My voice feels different over there. Like being in the guest room here at home. It feels kind of strange.
I'm a regular reader of Patricks and enjoy his neat posts. He must trawl a lot of stuff to find the unusual and timely stuff he comes up with on the Sudan. He's bound to come across news of the aid agencies. That's how the idea of turning it into a group blog came to me. So I invited Patrick, he's accepted and I've set him up as an administrator for him to access the template any time.
This morning, I emailed Patrick my wish list of tweaks. This afternoon I spent a few hours publishing at the new blog. I kept getting interrupted here. Phone ringing. Painter/decorator popping his head through the open window to chat. Just as I was about to post, I noticed he was ready to wash a paint brush sitting in a pot still containing half an inch of white undercoat acrylic paint. So, I asked to borrow brush and pot to touch up a few nicks on the woodwork around internal door jambs. Seems my cleaner must be a bit heavy handed with the vacuum cleaner. I can't think what else would cause the paintwork to chip so near to the floor. There's been no furniture moves, nothing gets knocked against the woodwork - except the vacuum. And I don't use the vacuum. I used to love vacuuming. True. There's an art to good vacuuming you know :-)
And then I remembered when the new windows were installed, the workmen chipped some of the paint on the wooden frames. So I touched up the nicks. With still a quarter inch of paint left, I went hunting around on my knees looking for nicks. It's amazing what you see when you crouch down to Ophelia's level and look very closely at things. Then I remembered the bathroom ledge...and a piece of wood near the kitchen sink....and down the side of the the back door.
After 20 minutes I'd used up the paint and washed the brush nice and clean. Last year, I'd used Tippex White Out on one door jamb (my brother squeezed a wardrobe through one doorway and scraped a little paint). Today the Tippex got painted over. Heh. Knee joints and spine are tingling numb, throat hurts and I feel ill all over. But nevermind. It's better than looking at some annoying nicks in the paintwork. Good job done.
Then I published the post at the new blog. Went to view and found that while I'd been painting, Patrick had visited and done some tweaks. Hey, this is great. Sort of like having company. The blog was blue - now it is Swiss Red Cross red, it has links inserted and a Google search bar. Fancy bits and a wavy lines have gone. And the colour of the titles changed to red. Thanks Patrick! Look forward to reading your first post :-)
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/06/2004
Thursday, August 05, 2004
UN REFUGEE AGENCY UNDER ESTIMATED REFUGEE NUMBERS
Food provisions for 6 months are now running out
Aug 5 report from Abeche, Chad:
UNHCR and the World Food Programme have struggled against tremendous odds to feed the refugees.
Difficulties in delivering aid in a country that has no railroads, few paved roads, and only about 7,000 telephone lines have been compounded by the rainy season, which makes parts of the country virtually inaccessible by land.
The UNHCR initially underestimated the number of refugees. Plans were made to receive 72,000 refugees from Sudan. As of early August, 174,000 had arrived.
As a result, provisions that were expected to last six months have almost been exhausted, and the WFP will now make a new appeal for donations, said U.N. officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
New wave of refugees from Darfur feared
Aug 5 report from Abeche, Chad says humanitarian agencies working in eastern Chad are bracing for another wave of Sudanese refugees, following an expected crackdown by Sudanese authorities against the infamous Janjaweed militia.
Reaction to Sudanese crackdown `unpredictable'
Eduardo Cue, spokesman for the UN High Commission on Refugees, said the situation in Darfur is unpredictable and no one knows how the Janjaweed will react if Sudanese authorities do crack down.
Humanitarian agencies have also been puzzled that more refugees have not crossed into Chad, Cue said. "We think that these people are terrified to move," he said. "But once the military pressure on them is removed, they might then decide to flee Sudan into Chad." About 180,000 refugees, mainly from the Zaghawa and Massalit ethnic groups, fled Darfur into Chad.
Another U.N. official, intimately familiar with the situation in Sudan and speaking on condition of anonymity, warned Janjaweed might go on a rampage if faced with government pressure to disarm. "A lot of these people are just like the Taliban," the official said. "They can go berserk." Another possibility is that, fearing a clash, the Janjaweed, who are of Chadian Arab origin, might flee into Chad and themselves become refugees.
Food provisions for 6 months are now running out
Aug 5 report from Abeche, Chad:
UNHCR and the World Food Programme have struggled against tremendous odds to feed the refugees.
Difficulties in delivering aid in a country that has no railroads, few paved roads, and only about 7,000 telephone lines have been compounded by the rainy season, which makes parts of the country virtually inaccessible by land.
The UNHCR initially underestimated the number of refugees. Plans were made to receive 72,000 refugees from Sudan. As of early August, 174,000 had arrived.
As a result, provisions that were expected to last six months have almost been exhausted, and the WFP will now make a new appeal for donations, said U.N. officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
New wave of refugees from Darfur feared
Aug 5 report from Abeche, Chad says humanitarian agencies working in eastern Chad are bracing for another wave of Sudanese refugees, following an expected crackdown by Sudanese authorities against the infamous Janjaweed militia.
Reaction to Sudanese crackdown `unpredictable'
Eduardo Cue, spokesman for the UN High Commission on Refugees, said the situation in Darfur is unpredictable and no one knows how the Janjaweed will react if Sudanese authorities do crack down.
Humanitarian agencies have also been puzzled that more refugees have not crossed into Chad, Cue said. "We think that these people are terrified to move," he said. "But once the military pressure on them is removed, they might then decide to flee Sudan into Chad." About 180,000 refugees, mainly from the Zaghawa and Massalit ethnic groups, fled Darfur into Chad.
Another U.N. official, intimately familiar with the situation in Sudan and speaking on condition of anonymity, warned Janjaweed might go on a rampage if faced with government pressure to disarm. "A lot of these people are just like the Taliban," the official said. "They can go berserk." Another possibility is that, fearing a clash, the Janjaweed, who are of Chadian Arab origin, might flee into Chad and themselves become refugees.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/05/2004
- - -
3,000 AU TROOPS MAY HELP DISARMAMENT
Aid workers targeted by militia
Ethan's latest post points to an excellent interview with International Crisis Group's John Prendergast, who visited rebel-held areas of Darfur recently along with Harvard's Samantha Power.
Ethan says Prendergast explains why he thinks the international community hasn't yet been moved to intervene in Darfur.
- - -
Aid workers helping refugees in Darfur are being targeted by local militiamen
A report out today says WFP had been distributing food to around 10,000 displaced people and locals in the town of Thur but the aid operation was suspended at the end of July after an attack by militiamen.
WFP said it was continuing to distribute food by road to people uprooted by attacks on their villages but attacks against them are constant.
African Union sending more troops, may help disarmament
Also, report says: "African Union (AU) plans to beef up its troop numbers from 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers and may help disarm marauding militias, AU officials and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said.
The AU plan, which would have the security body search for another 1,000 soldiers in a clear expansion of their original mandate to protect observers, awaits the signature of its current head, South African President Thabo Mbeki. The AU is now seeking to "protect the recruitment camps where the rebels and the groups are to be disarmed," Annan said. "I expect their mere presence on the ground would also have a positive impact and dissuade further attacks by Janjaweed and outlaw groups."
The U.N. Security Council has given Sudan until the end of August to disarm and proscecute the Janjaweed or face unspecified sanctions. Against that backdrop, Cue said any major influx of refugees into Chad could disrupt efforts to improve conditions in existing camps and to move some camps away from the border."
3,000 AU TROOPS MAY HELP DISARMAMENT
Aid workers targeted by militia
Ethan's latest post points to an excellent interview with International Crisis Group's John Prendergast, who visited rebel-held areas of Darfur recently along with Harvard's Samantha Power.
Ethan says Prendergast explains why he thinks the international community hasn't yet been moved to intervene in Darfur.
- - -
Aid workers helping refugees in Darfur are being targeted by local militiamen
A report out today says WFP had been distributing food to around 10,000 displaced people and locals in the town of Thur but the aid operation was suspended at the end of July after an attack by militiamen.
WFP said it was continuing to distribute food by road to people uprooted by attacks on their villages but attacks against them are constant.
African Union sending more troops, may help disarmament
Also, report says: "African Union (AU) plans to beef up its troop numbers from 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers and may help disarm marauding militias, AU officials and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said.
The AU plan, which would have the security body search for another 1,000 soldiers in a clear expansion of their original mandate to protect observers, awaits the signature of its current head, South African President Thabo Mbeki. The AU is now seeking to "protect the recruitment camps where the rebels and the groups are to be disarmed," Annan said. "I expect their mere presence on the ground would also have a positive impact and dissuade further attacks by Janjaweed and outlaw groups."
The U.N. Security Council has given Sudan until the end of August to disarm and proscecute the Janjaweed or face unspecified sanctions. Against that backdrop, Cue said any major influx of refugees into Chad could disrupt efforts to improve conditions in existing camps and to move some camps away from the border."
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/05/2004
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
AFRICAN UNION PLANS 2,000 TROOPS INTO SUDAN -
Netherlands committed 360 troops to go in as early as this week
Round up of latest developments including those reported yesterday and today at the Passion:
Aug 3: Evangelical Leaders Speak Out for Sudan. The Washington Post reports today that thirty-five evangelical Christian leaders have signed a letter urging President Bush to provide massive humanitarian aid and consider sending U.S. troops to stop what they called the "genocide" taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Aug 4: Nations are starting to come forward to help. France has already deployed 200 hundred troops along Chad's border with Darfur to stop Arab militia from crossing over. American special forces were on the ground looking for Saudi Arabian terrorists (who knows, maybe they are still there). Some Canadian and Australian soldiers are part of an advance team (ahead of the AU mission of 270 soldiers) that arrived in Sudan last week. Germany is providing logistical help behind the scenes - along with other EU countries. The Netherlands have committed to fund 360 troops to go in as early as this week.
Aug 4: Guardian reports today the African Union may send an extra 1,700 troops to Darfur, where up to 50,000 people have been killed. The deployment is subject to the approval of the AU's peace and security council, which will also consider whether to widen the role of its force in Darfur. "The AU plans to increase troop strength of its protection force for Darfur from 300 to 2,000, with Nigeria and Rwanda offering to send 1,000 troops each," AU spokesman Adam Thiam told Reuters.
Aug 4: The Sudanese government is launching a full force propaganda effort to keep any UN forces out, including a state-orchestrated, 100,000 person march against the UN yesterday. They appear to be trying to frame the conflict as a US/Britain rerun of Iraq. I wouldn't be surprised if Khartoum paid the people to march. A week or two ago I'd read reports where Sudanese soldiers were offering fifty dollars to refugees to return to Darfur.
Aug 4: Britain is providing two more planes to fly supplies to the war-ravaged Darfur region of western Sudan. The planes for Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) will fly from Manston airfield, Kent. The United Nations estimates at least 2m people need food aid in Darfur, but badly-needed water and sanitation equipment are also in acute demand.
An emergency Oxfam flight (with the other due later this week, makes it the sixth flight from England in the last week or two), paid for by the British government's Department for International Development, is due to leave Manston airport in Kent this evening, headed for Nyala in Southern Darfur.
Oxfam confirmed that although the rainy season was causing transport difficulties, it was confident that the aid will reach the camp, which is 15km from the airport, quickly. "It's a bad road, but we can do it. We do anticipate being able to get the aid in place quite rapidly," a spokesman said. Around 1.2 million people have been driven from their homes, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in makeshift camps in Sudan and over the border in Chad.
Sarah Lumsdon, Oxfam programme co-ordinator for Darfur, said: "Over the last three weeks the camp has doubled in size from 30,000 to 60,000 people. The camp infrastructure is unable to cope with such a boom in numbers. Basics like water supplies and sanitation are at breaking point."
She added: "With only a handful of toilets people are forced to defecate elsewhere; the result is human waste spread around the camp. The regular torrential rain washes the excrement into the camp and leads to dangerously unsanitary conditions. Disease and diarrhoea are serious problems and cholera could break out at any time," she said.
Paul Smith Lomas, the agency's humanitarian director, said: "The situation in Darfur is desperate and Kalma camp urgently needs this aid. People are already dying but we are dreading a cholera outbreak which could kill a lot more. This equipment will help us to save lives."
Oxfam is one of 11 major charities running an emergency appeal for aid to Sudan, coordinated by the umbrella organisation Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). So far £12m has been raised from the public and appeal organisers predict that it will bring in at least £17m. The DEC is continuing to appeal for more cash as aid agencies say they need up to £27m to meet the immediate needs of people in the area.
Aid has been pouring into the western province of Darfur. Three Egyptian planes loaded with 60 tonnes of food and medicines have landed in the crisis-hit region of Darfur in western Sudan. A 21-strong Egyptian medical team also arrived on Monday, and will set up a medical camp in the province's capital al-Fashir to help in the treatment of displaced persons and other people in northern Darfur.
Netherlands committed 360 troops to go in as early as this week
Round up of latest developments including those reported yesterday and today at the Passion:
Aug 3: Evangelical Leaders Speak Out for Sudan. The Washington Post reports today that thirty-five evangelical Christian leaders have signed a letter urging President Bush to provide massive humanitarian aid and consider sending U.S. troops to stop what they called the "genocide" taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Aug 4: Nations are starting to come forward to help. France has already deployed 200 hundred troops along Chad's border with Darfur to stop Arab militia from crossing over. American special forces were on the ground looking for Saudi Arabian terrorists (who knows, maybe they are still there). Some Canadian and Australian soldiers are part of an advance team (ahead of the AU mission of 270 soldiers) that arrived in Sudan last week. Germany is providing logistical help behind the scenes - along with other EU countries. The Netherlands have committed to fund 360 troops to go in as early as this week.
Aug 4: Guardian reports today the African Union may send an extra 1,700 troops to Darfur, where up to 50,000 people have been killed. The deployment is subject to the approval of the AU's peace and security council, which will also consider whether to widen the role of its force in Darfur. "The AU plans to increase troop strength of its protection force for Darfur from 300 to 2,000, with Nigeria and Rwanda offering to send 1,000 troops each," AU spokesman Adam Thiam told Reuters.
Aug 4: The Sudanese government is launching a full force propaganda effort to keep any UN forces out, including a state-orchestrated, 100,000 person march against the UN yesterday. They appear to be trying to frame the conflict as a US/Britain rerun of Iraq. I wouldn't be surprised if Khartoum paid the people to march. A week or two ago I'd read reports where Sudanese soldiers were offering fifty dollars to refugees to return to Darfur.
Aug 4: Britain is providing two more planes to fly supplies to the war-ravaged Darfur region of western Sudan. The planes for Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) will fly from Manston airfield, Kent. The United Nations estimates at least 2m people need food aid in Darfur, but badly-needed water and sanitation equipment are also in acute demand.
An emergency Oxfam flight (with the other due later this week, makes it the sixth flight from England in the last week or two), paid for by the British government's Department for International Development, is due to leave Manston airport in Kent this evening, headed for Nyala in Southern Darfur.
Oxfam confirmed that although the rainy season was causing transport difficulties, it was confident that the aid will reach the camp, which is 15km from the airport, quickly. "It's a bad road, but we can do it. We do anticipate being able to get the aid in place quite rapidly," a spokesman said. Around 1.2 million people have been driven from their homes, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in makeshift camps in Sudan and over the border in Chad.
Sarah Lumsdon, Oxfam programme co-ordinator for Darfur, said: "Over the last three weeks the camp has doubled in size from 30,000 to 60,000 people. The camp infrastructure is unable to cope with such a boom in numbers. Basics like water supplies and sanitation are at breaking point."
She added: "With only a handful of toilets people are forced to defecate elsewhere; the result is human waste spread around the camp. The regular torrential rain washes the excrement into the camp and leads to dangerously unsanitary conditions. Disease and diarrhoea are serious problems and cholera could break out at any time," she said.
Paul Smith Lomas, the agency's humanitarian director, said: "The situation in Darfur is desperate and Kalma camp urgently needs this aid. People are already dying but we are dreading a cholera outbreak which could kill a lot more. This equipment will help us to save lives."
Oxfam is one of 11 major charities running an emergency appeal for aid to Sudan, coordinated by the umbrella organisation Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). So far £12m has been raised from the public and appeal organisers predict that it will bring in at least £17m. The DEC is continuing to appeal for more cash as aid agencies say they need up to £27m to meet the immediate needs of people in the area.
Aid has been pouring into the western province of Darfur. Three Egyptian planes loaded with 60 tonnes of food and medicines have landed in the crisis-hit region of Darfur in western Sudan. A 21-strong Egyptian medical team also arrived on Monday, and will set up a medical camp in the province's capital al-Fashir to help in the treatment of displaced persons and other people in northern Darfur.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/04/2004
- - -
30 DAYS FAR TOO LONG TO WAIT FOR HELP
Email UN and ask for immediate action to protect civilians in Darfur
Aug 3 Reuters report: 30 days is far too long to wait for help, says humanitarian agency.
According to UN estimates, reports CWS Executive Director and CEO the Rev. John L. McCullough, almost 500 refugees perish daily in Darfur or in makeshift camps in neighboring Chad. “With so many lives at risk, thirty days is far too long,” McCullough says, referring to the time for compliance allowed by a UN Security Council resolution passed last week
Global humanitarian agency Church World Service today called on U.S. citizens to immediately pressure the United Nations and world bodies to intervene more quickly and definitively to protect more than one million black Africans threatened by the escalating crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.
In a second national flash e-mail campaign to its constituents, on its website and through contacts with media, CWS is urging people to write to U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Danforth, urging immediate action and greater pressure on the Sudanese government to bring the violence to an end
Here is where Americans can email John Danforth, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
30 DAYS FAR TOO LONG TO WAIT FOR HELP
Email UN and ask for immediate action to protect civilians in Darfur
Aug 3 Reuters report: 30 days is far too long to wait for help, says humanitarian agency.
According to UN estimates, reports CWS Executive Director and CEO the Rev. John L. McCullough, almost 500 refugees perish daily in Darfur or in makeshift camps in neighboring Chad. “With so many lives at risk, thirty days is far too long,” McCullough says, referring to the time for compliance allowed by a UN Security Council resolution passed last week
Global humanitarian agency Church World Service today called on U.S. citizens to immediately pressure the United Nations and world bodies to intervene more quickly and definitively to protect more than one million black Africans threatened by the escalating crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.
In a second national flash e-mail campaign to its constituents, on its website and through contacts with media, CWS is urging people to write to U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Danforth, urging immediate action and greater pressure on the Sudanese government to bring the violence to an end
Here is where Americans can email John Danforth, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/04/2004
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
SOS FOR SUDAN
Bloggers spreading the word on this may help push nations
Below is a copy of a comment I have just posted at six blogs, in response to Jim's SOS for Sudan. I will keep trying Boris at bopuc blog in Canada - his site is down at the moment.
Thanks to Ado in Japan (who is Dutch - the Dutch are airlifting AU troops into Sudan - yay for the Dutch!) for a great line that I've taken from his latest post on genocide in Sudan - it neatly sums the present situation in a nutshell:
"Forces from across the world are poised to help the people of Darfur, but no nation has the will to move forward." Spreading the word on this may help push nations.
Here is a copy of my comment:
A warm hello to Jim and friends. Below is a copy of a comment I have left at six blogs (I'm still trying Boris in Canada at http://bopuc.levendis.com/bopuc/ but his blog won't open). 2 in Australia, 1 in Canada, 1 in Japan, 1 in America (and here at this blog makes 2). Hope it makes sense. Sorry it's a bit scrappy but it's best I can do right now.
Hello Ado (in Japan) hope you are well. I am sending a copy of below comment to six blogs. I've chosen yours as the fifth because it's in Japan and I know you are kind (and the Dutch are doing a lot to help with Sudan crisis). Here's the comment I have left at 2 Australian blogs, 1 Canadian (I'm trying to access Boris but his blog won't open up) and 1 American:
Jonathan (in Wisconsin USA) sorry in a hurry. Hope the following copy and paste of a comment I've left at 2 blogs in Australia and 1 in Canada make sense. Hope readers can help:
Hello Crazy Canuck (in Canada) here's hoping some Canadian readers read this comment. I'm in England and am copying and pasting a copy below the comment I have left at two blogs in Australia. Hope readers here could help pass on the word to show support to their political reps. Sorry for this cobbling together of messages - I'm in a hurry. Time is of the essence. Hope bloggers can help. This comment feels like putting an S.O.S. in a bottle and throwing it out into the sea of cyberspace. Who knows if anyone will read it? And when?
Hello Robert (in Australia) thanks for your message. Interesting comments from your readers here. Forgive me for this rushed comment. Things are changing quickly in Sudan and to save time, I have copied and pasted below a copy of a comment I've just left at John Rowbottom's blog in Australia. Maybe I'll do the same over at a couple of Canadian blogs. And hope anyone reading this - if they know a blogger in Canada, NZ and Oz could spread the word on asking people to show support to their political reps on sending troops to help the hundreds and thousands of Sudanese who are facing death. The death toll appears to be 80,000 according to a US official (UN is still saying 50,000 - but that's in the past 18 months - the figure is 2m under the present regime).
Here's hoping you will get a chance to read the report I've pointed to - and that Australians will show support to their politicians - after Iraq the politicians need all the support they can get when it comes to decisions on sending troops without a UN resolution:-
Thanks John (in Australia) I've just this minute published three new posts - I'd appreciate you casting your eye over the important report I've pointed to - it will give you a good insight into what has been happening in Sudan over the past 15 years and why another 30 - or 60 or 90 days won't make a jot of difference. British troops are on standby at the moment. Tories are calling for them to be deployed within a matter of days. Khartoum has ordered its officials to stop helping with the aid operation and is saying it could send 12,000 of its police to Darfur "if necessary". Khartoum incorporated Arab militias into its police force. It is like getting the foxes to guard the chickens.
My feelings are that troops will go in asap - the crucial aid operation has been ground to a halt - 70,000 are in isolated areas of Darfur and have received no aid yet. The air lift is the biggest (if not bigger) than the Berlin air drop during WWII - the French are helping - one report says the Australians are helping too. The key is the African Union (53 African nations) - they can get troops into Sudan without a UN resolution - mandate etc - and Sudan will accept African help. EU funds the AU and has a huge fund set aside to pay for African peacekeeping missions. An AU-led mission - EU funded - that has been organised by the EU and UN and AU (its taken weeks) will be landing in Sudan any day now. The mission consists of 270 armed troops from S Africa who are to be there with permission from Khartoum (it took days of arm twisting) to protect the 120 UN observers on the ground monitoring the May ceasefire agreement for South Sudan (a separate conflict - Darfur is a second conflict). The hope is that the AU will expand the numbers asap. Here's hoping the British and others go in to provide back up to this mission - perhaps staying over the border in Chad or Libyia. I can't believe I've just bashed this comment out. I need to rest. But its a critical time right now. It'd be great if Australians could signal their support to politicians on sending troops to Sudan.
- - -
PS Yay for the 200 French troops on the Chad/Darfur border helping to airlift urgent food into Darfur!
[Note: this post is not aimed at any of my regular readers as they have done plenty to help already]
Bloggers spreading the word on this may help push nations
Below is a copy of a comment I have just posted at six blogs, in response to Jim's SOS for Sudan. I will keep trying Boris at bopuc blog in Canada - his site is down at the moment.
Thanks to Ado in Japan (who is Dutch - the Dutch are airlifting AU troops into Sudan - yay for the Dutch!) for a great line that I've taken from his latest post on genocide in Sudan - it neatly sums the present situation in a nutshell:
"Forces from across the world are poised to help the people of Darfur, but no nation has the will to move forward." Spreading the word on this may help push nations.
Here is a copy of my comment:
A warm hello to Jim and friends. Below is a copy of a comment I have left at six blogs (I'm still trying Boris in Canada at http://bopuc.levendis.com/bopuc/ but his blog won't open). 2 in Australia, 1 in Canada, 1 in Japan, 1 in America (and here at this blog makes 2). Hope it makes sense. Sorry it's a bit scrappy but it's best I can do right now.
Hello Ado (in Japan) hope you are well. I am sending a copy of below comment to six blogs. I've chosen yours as the fifth because it's in Japan and I know you are kind (and the Dutch are doing a lot to help with Sudan crisis). Here's the comment I have left at 2 Australian blogs, 1 Canadian (I'm trying to access Boris but his blog won't open up) and 1 American:
Jonathan (in Wisconsin USA) sorry in a hurry. Hope the following copy and paste of a comment I've left at 2 blogs in Australia and 1 in Canada make sense. Hope readers can help:
Hello Crazy Canuck (in Canada) here's hoping some Canadian readers read this comment. I'm in England and am copying and pasting a copy below the comment I have left at two blogs in Australia. Hope readers here could help pass on the word to show support to their political reps. Sorry for this cobbling together of messages - I'm in a hurry. Time is of the essence. Hope bloggers can help. This comment feels like putting an S.O.S. in a bottle and throwing it out into the sea of cyberspace. Who knows if anyone will read it? And when?
Hello Robert (in Australia) thanks for your message. Interesting comments from your readers here. Forgive me for this rushed comment. Things are changing quickly in Sudan and to save time, I have copied and pasted below a copy of a comment I've just left at John Rowbottom's blog in Australia. Maybe I'll do the same over at a couple of Canadian blogs. And hope anyone reading this - if they know a blogger in Canada, NZ and Oz could spread the word on asking people to show support to their political reps on sending troops to help the hundreds and thousands of Sudanese who are facing death. The death toll appears to be 80,000 according to a US official (UN is still saying 50,000 - but that's in the past 18 months - the figure is 2m under the present regime).
Here's hoping you will get a chance to read the report I've pointed to - and that Australians will show support to their politicians - after Iraq the politicians need all the support they can get when it comes to decisions on sending troops without a UN resolution:-
Thanks John (in Australia) I've just this minute published three new posts - I'd appreciate you casting your eye over the important report I've pointed to - it will give you a good insight into what has been happening in Sudan over the past 15 years and why another 30 - or 60 or 90 days won't make a jot of difference. British troops are on standby at the moment. Tories are calling for them to be deployed within a matter of days. Khartoum has ordered its officials to stop helping with the aid operation and is saying it could send 12,000 of its police to Darfur "if necessary". Khartoum incorporated Arab militias into its police force. It is like getting the foxes to guard the chickens.
My feelings are that troops will go in asap - the crucial aid operation has been ground to a halt - 70,000 are in isolated areas of Darfur and have received no aid yet. The air lift is the biggest (if not bigger) than the Berlin air drop during WWII - the French are helping - one report says the Australians are helping too. The key is the African Union (53 African nations) - they can get troops into Sudan without a UN resolution - mandate etc - and Sudan will accept African help. EU funds the AU and has a huge fund set aside to pay for African peacekeeping missions. An AU-led mission - EU funded - that has been organised by the EU and UN and AU (its taken weeks) will be landing in Sudan any day now. The mission consists of 270 armed troops from S Africa who are to be there with permission from Khartoum (it took days of arm twisting) to protect the 120 UN observers on the ground monitoring the May ceasefire agreement for South Sudan (a separate conflict - Darfur is a second conflict). The hope is that the AU will expand the numbers asap. Here's hoping the British and others go in to provide back up to this mission - perhaps staying over the border in Chad or Libyia. I can't believe I've just bashed this comment out. I need to rest. But its a critical time right now. It'd be great if Australians could signal their support to politicians on sending troops to Sudan.
- - -
PS Yay for the 200 French troops on the Chad/Darfur border helping to airlift urgent food into Darfur!
[Note: this post is not aimed at any of my regular readers as they have done plenty to help already]
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/03/2004
- - -
SUDAN COULD DEPLOY UP TO 12,000 POLICE TO DARFUR
Khartoum has kitted out the Arab militias with police gear and uniforms
Over the past few months, it's been reported that government of Sudan has incorporated Arab militias into Sudan's army and police. Having them 'protect' the refugees from Arab militias is like leaving foxes to guard chickens.
Today, Khartoum ordered its officials to stop helping the aid operation. There are reports of Sudan's army (a rag bag of under trained and poorly equipped conscripts) "protesting" at the threat of sanctions in 30 days.
Also today, Khartoum is saying it's prepared to deploy up to 12,000 policemen to secure the western region of Darfur: "should that become necessary", Information Minister Zahawi Ibrahim Malik said. He said the current plan was to increase the existing number of policemen in the region from 5,000 to 6,000 over the next few days.
The minister added that the increase was in line with an agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations aimed at securing the region and ridding it of various militia groups blamed for many of the atrocities committed against the civilian population. Eh? If it doesn't care to help get vital food to 70,000 people isolated in Darfur, why would it care to protect them? It will be interesting to read what the African Union says about this.
If Sudan refuses to help with the aid operation, foregin troops will have to go in and help, and provide back-up to the AU-led mission of 270 troops due to land in Sudan any day now. Khartoum's so-called "police force" will guard what is going on in Darfur. AU-led 270 troops will guard the 120 UN observers who will report everything that is going on. Aid and aid workers will get through to Darfur, non?
The regime in Khartoum - by ordering it's officials to delay the aid getting through to Darfur - is digging its own grave. Surely, it's days must be numbered - and it knows it too. The Arab League ought to be helping. They are very wealthy. Seems we in the West are the only ones to care. What about China, Russia, Pakistan and Brazil - are the citizens of those countries not ashamed of their governments - or do they simply not care?
SUDAN COULD DEPLOY UP TO 12,000 POLICE TO DARFUR
Khartoum has kitted out the Arab militias with police gear and uniforms
Over the past few months, it's been reported that government of Sudan has incorporated Arab militias into Sudan's army and police. Having them 'protect' the refugees from Arab militias is like leaving foxes to guard chickens.
Today, Khartoum ordered its officials to stop helping the aid operation. There are reports of Sudan's army (a rag bag of under trained and poorly equipped conscripts) "protesting" at the threat of sanctions in 30 days.
Also today, Khartoum is saying it's prepared to deploy up to 12,000 policemen to secure the western region of Darfur: "should that become necessary", Information Minister Zahawi Ibrahim Malik said. He said the current plan was to increase the existing number of policemen in the region from 5,000 to 6,000 over the next few days.
The minister added that the increase was in line with an agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations aimed at securing the region and ridding it of various militia groups blamed for many of the atrocities committed against the civilian population. Eh? If it doesn't care to help get vital food to 70,000 people isolated in Darfur, why would it care to protect them? It will be interesting to read what the African Union says about this.
If Sudan refuses to help with the aid operation, foregin troops will have to go in and help, and provide back-up to the AU-led mission of 270 troops due to land in Sudan any day now. Khartoum's so-called "police force" will guard what is going on in Darfur. AU-led 270 troops will guard the 120 UN observers who will report everything that is going on. Aid and aid workers will get through to Darfur, non?
The regime in Khartoum - by ordering it's officials to delay the aid getting through to Darfur - is digging its own grave. Surely, it's days must be numbered - and it knows it too. The Arab League ought to be helping. They are very wealthy. Seems we in the West are the only ones to care. What about China, Russia, Pakistan and Brazil - are the citizens of those countries not ashamed of their governments - or do they simply not care?
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/03/2004
- - -
URGENT: DARFUR AID EFFORTS STALL AMID PROTEST
Aid lorries said to have been seized
More serious and disturbing news. Just as an urgently needed and massive air drop of aid to Darfur gets underway - the biggest since the Berlin airdrop of the 1940's - Khartoum has ordered its officials to stop helping with the aid.
Gethin Chamberlain, a reporter on the ground in El Fashir, Darfur, says attempts to bring aid to Darfur ground to a halt yesterday as Sudanese officials stopped work in protest at the United Nations’ threat of sanctions against the Khartoum government.
The British Conservative party are calling for British troops to be sent to Sudan "in a matter of days". Shadow international development secretary John Bercow said "the Prime Minister, whose humanitarian interventionism I greatly admire, told the Labour Party conference in 2001 that if ever there was a threat of a repetition of Rwanda, Britain would have a moral duty to act. There is, and we have.”
Mr Bercow said he had met Sudanese ministers on a visit to the country last month: “They were in denial about the fact of the atrocities, the scale of the atrocities and the collaboration of the Janjaweed in the commission of the atrocities so I have no serious hope that they are likely to respect the wishes of the UN Security Council.” Their 90 day promise was “nonsense, a smokescreen, a delaying tactic,” he added.
Note - Aug 2: UN body World Food Programme airdrops food in remote parts of Darfur. Refugees receiving food sacks dropped by WFP. It is airlifting food to the "most inaccessible" parts of Sudan's western Darfur region for the first time - and says the food will assist more than 70,000 people who have been cut off from other help because of the rainy season and insecurity. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which says it distributed food to 20,000 Darfurians earlier this month, says persisting pockets of fighting and attacks have made access to people in the region difficult.
URGENT: DARFUR AID EFFORTS STALL AMID PROTEST
Aid lorries said to have been seized
More serious and disturbing news. Just as an urgently needed and massive air drop of aid to Darfur gets underway - the biggest since the Berlin airdrop of the 1940's - Khartoum has ordered its officials to stop helping with the aid.
Gethin Chamberlain, a reporter on the ground in El Fashir, Darfur, says attempts to bring aid to Darfur ground to a halt yesterday as Sudanese officials stopped work in protest at the United Nations’ threat of sanctions against the Khartoum government.
The British Conservative party are calling for British troops to be sent to Sudan "in a matter of days". Shadow international development secretary John Bercow said "the Prime Minister, whose humanitarian interventionism I greatly admire, told the Labour Party conference in 2001 that if ever there was a threat of a repetition of Rwanda, Britain would have a moral duty to act. There is, and we have.”
Mr Bercow said he had met Sudanese ministers on a visit to the country last month: “They were in denial about the fact of the atrocities, the scale of the atrocities and the collaboration of the Janjaweed in the commission of the atrocities so I have no serious hope that they are likely to respect the wishes of the UN Security Council.” Their 90 day promise was “nonsense, a smokescreen, a delaying tactic,” he added.
Note - Aug 2: UN body World Food Programme airdrops food in remote parts of Darfur. Refugees receiving food sacks dropped by WFP. It is airlifting food to the "most inaccessible" parts of Sudan's western Darfur region for the first time - and says the food will assist more than 70,000 people who have been cut off from other help because of the rainy season and insecurity. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which says it distributed food to 20,000 Darfurians earlier this month, says persisting pockets of fighting and attacks have made access to people in the region difficult.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/03/2004
- - -
SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES -
Oil and conflict in Sudan
Take Action has ready-made emails to President Bush
Here is a copy of a comment left by a reader at Jim Moore's post on post entitled "SOS for Sudan":
Jim - you may want to consider contacting some of the companies and/or organizations that have the "Take Action" feature on their Web site that allows you to setup an account which will then determine your local legislators & allow you to send them a fax or email automatically as well as print out a letter to send via snail mail. While calling your member of congress will work best, I think there is a chance to get millions more participants this way. If you make it worldwide, you could have people contact their a) local representative, b) head of state, c) UN ambassador, d) other parties like the AU.
This one-click armchair activism if harnassed properly can be quite effective. Especially if you publicly keep track of how many people participate.
- - -
Note to readers here from me, Ingrid: I googled "Take Action", and found the UCC site where Americans can send a ready-made email to President Bush. It takes a few seconds to complete. I tried but because I'm in England, it was returned to me saying: "Your letter could not be sent for the following reasons: This action is restricted to residents of specific countries."
It'd be good to see a similar site for those of us outside America. If anyone knows of such a site, please let me know and I'll post it with a link to your blog. Thanks. In the meantime, British readers could use some of the text from UCC's email and send it via email your MP.
I've written to my MP three times re the Sudan. And, left several messages at the blogs of two MPs. There's not much more I can do. Except to thank them, once again, here, here and here. I've donated one hundred and twenty pounds online to MSF and DEC. Politicians must feel public support when they see eyecatching news of appeals.
DEC, within hours of opening their lines were flooded with donations from the British public. DEC's appeal, which brings together eleven of the UK’s leading aid agencies, has a target of fifteen million pounds. Within just 36 hours, the British public had donated a massive five million pounds. It must help give the aid workers a boost too. There are several major Sudan Emergency appeals running in the UK. Everything helps as a signal of public support to the government, that will in turn help them when they're faced with decisions to mobilise troops for the massive aid operations in Chad and Sudan.
- - -
Right now, I am one quarter of the way through reading an incredible report entitled "Sudan Update: Raising the stakes: Oil and conflict in Sudan".
The report provides an accurate picture of what has been going on in Sudan over past years. If anyone else reads it all the way through - and provides a summary on their blog - I will personally send them a popular Moleskine notebook at Christmas time. I don't expect too many people will be breaking down my blog door to write such a summary, so I guess I won't be overwhelmed by the mailing of many notebooks ;)
Below are a few extracts I've taken from the report. Sorry I cannot spend more time on it. Must get this published. I'm serious about about the Moleskine gift. The report is packed full of useful details that will take me too long to summarise. I'd like to share it here asap in the hope that it gets a wider reading. It's an important report (who authored it?) as it shows what the National Islamic Front (NIF) government of Sudan has been up since it stole power fifteen years ago. Last Friday's UN resolution giving Khartroum 30 days will not make the slightest difference - even if they were given another 30 or 60 days. The report (looks like it was published in 1999) explains the reasons why. Here are some excerpts:
SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES:
Oil and conflict in Sudan
On 30 August 1999, Sudan filled its first tanker-load of oil.
Now, Sudan, Africa's largest country, could join OPEC and hold its head up as an oil exporter alongside Saudi Arabia and Libya, said Sudan's government ministers. Their critics replied that if it did join OPEC it would be politically insignificant alongside the major producers. Better parallels would be with the repression, sabotage, corruption and pollution encountered in Burma, Colombia or the Niger Delta.
Just three weeks later, on 20 September 1999, opponents of Sudan's military regime blew a hole in the newly-completed pipeline.
The attack shattered the calculated charm of the government's recent public relations efforts. It began issuing threats to neighbouring Egypt and Eritrea, demanding that they expel the opposition's leaders there, while arresting opponents and lashing out at the local press. "Its campaign to convince the world that it has security under control, and that serious talks about ending Sudan's war are now possible, [seem] to be wrong on both counts." (Africa Confidential 8 October 1999)
The explosion also embarrassed the Board members of the Greater Nile Operating Company, including Talisman Energy Inc of Calgary - formerly British Petroleum Canada - who were meeting in Khartoum that week. They had claimed for years that the only risk to their project was in the southern war zone, and that peace was in any case close at hand.
Now they were under greater pressure than ever to talk to the banned opposition, which had long since declared their installations throughout the country to be military targets. However, their tone remained defiant. Just a public relations failure, they said.
How much oil is there? Proven oil reserves are enough to last some 15 years. Not enough to solve any of Sudan's deep-rooted problems, but enough to create plenty more.
- - -
"Sudan accounts for the largest number of the world's uprooted people. More than 4.3 million Sudanese have been forced to flee because of the continuing bloody civil war in the south and east. One out of every eight refugees and displaced persons in the world are Sudanese. (U.S. Committee for Refugees USCR World Refugee Survey)
- - -
Oilfields, which lie underneath the dividing line between the warring north and south of the country, have been fuelling conflict for the last 20 years.
The oil-rush has long been bloodier and messier than its defenders would like the world to believe, and systematic destruction and relocation of communities are part and parcel of the oil project. People in the areas around the militarised oil installations and the pipeline route have been subjected to devastating attacks by government forces for years. They are being driven from their homes by air-raids and bombardment, and by militias supported by the government, resulting in horrendous suffering.
The government of Sudan has called the oil "a sacred gift to the faithful"
A huge country of vast semi-desert expanses and intense heat, Sudan is said to have oil reserves of anything from 600 million barrels to 3 billion. It also has minerals, gold, uranium, and vast expanses of arable land. Tempting, perhaps. The government of Sudan has called the oil "a sacred gift to the faithful". Its would-be partners in the oil project - companies from Canada, China and Malaysia, Austria, Sweden and France - seem to think likewise, as do the suppliers of oil pipeline equipment from Britain and Germany, and the oil traders from Netherlands and Japan. But when it comes to making use of this asset, it is not only the sheer immensity of the terrain that brings with it a host of complications.
The former UN Human Rights Rapporteur who worked on Sudan for years, Dr Gaspar Biro, has commented that if the oil companies don't know what is going on, they're not looking over the fences of their compounds.
Nonetheless, along with Canada, China and Malaysia, European countries are increasingly involved in oil project. They are ignoring the role it plays in the conflict and instead casting it in a favourable light. And the European Union seems to be doing the same.
- - -
The regime has repeatedly denied permission for humanitarian flights to aid the most afflicted populations, dropped cluster bombs on clearly civilian targets, and repeatedly bombed clearly-marked civilian hospitals.
Throughout the 1990s, Sudan's NIF government has been using the prospect of oil for maximum propaganda value, a vital part of its efforts to get rid of its international "human rights and terrorism pariah" status and attract foreign investment into its war-devastated economy. The growing involvement of Canadian and European companies has begun to lend it a much-needed, but unwarranted, appearance of respectability.
As Aung San Suu Kyi said of UK's Premier Oil in Burma: "Apart from the actual revenues that it brings to the government, it also constitutes a psychological boost because it makes the government feel that, however repressive they may be, they still have the support of big companies. And if those countries are from Western democracies, it's even more serious because it gives the military regime the chance to say: 'Look, even companies from Western democracies support us, so what we are doing can't be that wrong. Why are the democratic forces making such a fuss?'" (Mark Thomas / Channel 4 TV www.channel4.com, October 1999)
- - -
Above all, the National Islamic Front government desperately needs the revenue from the oil project to strengthen its grip on the country.
Despite its constant use of the word "Popular" in its slogans, the NIF itself is extremely unpopular. In the 1986 general elections its members won less than ten per cent of the vote; it staged a coup in 1989 to abort a peace process, and it would lose disastrously if free elections were held now. But it has held on to power for a decade on which it has made its mark by its readiness to deny charges of systematic and gross human rights abuse, claiming persecution by the outside world for its "Islamic orientation".
In practice this has amounted to religiously-infused totalitarianism, feared and despised by the predominantly Muslim community in northern Sudan, nearly as much as by the people of the generally non-Muslim south. Its encouragement of violent militancy has spread beyond Sudan's borders and is a source of alarm to its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 2: World Food Programme is starting to airdrop food in remote parts of Darfur. Refugees are receiving the food sacks dropped by WFP. WFP (a UN body) is airlifting food to the "most inaccessible" parts of Sudan's western Darfur region for the first time. It says the food will assist more than 70,000 people who have been cut off from other help because of the rainy season and insecurity. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which says it distributed food to 20,000 Darfurians earlier this month, says persisting pockets of fighting and attacks have made access to people in the region difficult.
Aug 2: World must double food aid to Sudan warns head of MSF, today.
Aug 2: Sudan's Army says the UN resolution on the conflict in Darfur is 'a declaration of war' and threatens to fight any foreign intervention.
Aug 2:: US State Department says: "There is no excuse for Sudan not taking action now. The Security Council calls for action now. And that's what we want to see. And we will evaluate the situation again in 30 days."
Aug 2 report on Sudan's military situation: military experts in Britain say Sudanese Armed Forces are conscript-dependent and poorly equipped."
Aug 2: post by Black Looks on Playing Politics in Darfur
July 24:
Booker Rising writes: "Mustafa Osman Ismail Sudan's foreign minister (pictured above) rejects a U.S. Congressional declaration that atrocities in its western Darfur region amounts to genocide. He insists that his government is doing everything it can to end the conflict, which has killed 30,000 people and forced a million to flee. He accuses global concern as "actually a targeting of the Islamic state in Sudan." Let's see. 2 million folks have died since 1983, at the government's hand. 400+ black villages burned down. Slavery. Government-backed Arab militias conduct mass rape campaigns against black women, knowing that ethnicity in the region is traced through the father. Yep, genocide."
SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES -
Oil and conflict in Sudan
Take Action has ready-made emails to President Bush
Here is a copy of a comment left by a reader at Jim Moore's post on post entitled "SOS for Sudan":
Jim - you may want to consider contacting some of the companies and/or organizations that have the "Take Action" feature on their Web site that allows you to setup an account which will then determine your local legislators & allow you to send them a fax or email automatically as well as print out a letter to send via snail mail. While calling your member of congress will work best, I think there is a chance to get millions more participants this way. If you make it worldwide, you could have people contact their a) local representative, b) head of state, c) UN ambassador, d) other parties like the AU.
This one-click armchair activism if harnassed properly can be quite effective. Especially if you publicly keep track of how many people participate.
- - -
Note to readers here from me, Ingrid: I googled "Take Action", and found the UCC site where Americans can send a ready-made email to President Bush. It takes a few seconds to complete. I tried but because I'm in England, it was returned to me saying: "Your letter could not be sent for the following reasons: This action is restricted to residents of specific countries."
It'd be good to see a similar site for those of us outside America. If anyone knows of such a site, please let me know and I'll post it with a link to your blog. Thanks. In the meantime, British readers could use some of the text from UCC's email and send it via email your MP.
I've written to my MP three times re the Sudan. And, left several messages at the blogs of two MPs. There's not much more I can do. Except to thank them, once again, here, here and here. I've donated one hundred and twenty pounds online to MSF and DEC. Politicians must feel public support when they see eyecatching news of appeals.
DEC, within hours of opening their lines were flooded with donations from the British public. DEC's appeal, which brings together eleven of the UK’s leading aid agencies, has a target of fifteen million pounds. Within just 36 hours, the British public had donated a massive five million pounds. It must help give the aid workers a boost too. There are several major Sudan Emergency appeals running in the UK. Everything helps as a signal of public support to the government, that will in turn help them when they're faced with decisions to mobilise troops for the massive aid operations in Chad and Sudan.
- - -
Right now, I am one quarter of the way through reading an incredible report entitled "Sudan Update: Raising the stakes: Oil and conflict in Sudan".
The report provides an accurate picture of what has been going on in Sudan over past years. If anyone else reads it all the way through - and provides a summary on their blog - I will personally send them a popular Moleskine notebook at Christmas time. I don't expect too many people will be breaking down my blog door to write such a summary, so I guess I won't be overwhelmed by the mailing of many notebooks ;)
Below are a few extracts I've taken from the report. Sorry I cannot spend more time on it. Must get this published. I'm serious about about the Moleskine gift. The report is packed full of useful details that will take me too long to summarise. I'd like to share it here asap in the hope that it gets a wider reading. It's an important report (who authored it?) as it shows what the National Islamic Front (NIF) government of Sudan has been up since it stole power fifteen years ago. Last Friday's UN resolution giving Khartroum 30 days will not make the slightest difference - even if they were given another 30 or 60 days. The report (looks like it was published in 1999) explains the reasons why. Here are some excerpts:
SUDAN UPDATE: RAISING THE STAKES:
Oil and conflict in Sudan
On 30 August 1999, Sudan filled its first tanker-load of oil.
Now, Sudan, Africa's largest country, could join OPEC and hold its head up as an oil exporter alongside Saudi Arabia and Libya, said Sudan's government ministers. Their critics replied that if it did join OPEC it would be politically insignificant alongside the major producers. Better parallels would be with the repression, sabotage, corruption and pollution encountered in Burma, Colombia or the Niger Delta.
Just three weeks later, on 20 September 1999, opponents of Sudan's military regime blew a hole in the newly-completed pipeline.
The attack shattered the calculated charm of the government's recent public relations efforts. It began issuing threats to neighbouring Egypt and Eritrea, demanding that they expel the opposition's leaders there, while arresting opponents and lashing out at the local press. "Its campaign to convince the world that it has security under control, and that serious talks about ending Sudan's war are now possible, [seem] to be wrong on both counts." (Africa Confidential 8 October 1999)
The explosion also embarrassed the Board members of the Greater Nile Operating Company, including Talisman Energy Inc of Calgary - formerly British Petroleum Canada - who were meeting in Khartoum that week. They had claimed for years that the only risk to their project was in the southern war zone, and that peace was in any case close at hand.
Now they were under greater pressure than ever to talk to the banned opposition, which had long since declared their installations throughout the country to be military targets. However, their tone remained defiant. Just a public relations failure, they said.
How much oil is there? Proven oil reserves are enough to last some 15 years. Not enough to solve any of Sudan's deep-rooted problems, but enough to create plenty more.
- - -
"Sudan accounts for the largest number of the world's uprooted people. More than 4.3 million Sudanese have been forced to flee because of the continuing bloody civil war in the south and east. One out of every eight refugees and displaced persons in the world are Sudanese. (U.S. Committee for Refugees USCR World Refugee Survey)
- - -
Oilfields, which lie underneath the dividing line between the warring north and south of the country, have been fuelling conflict for the last 20 years.
The oil-rush has long been bloodier and messier than its defenders would like the world to believe, and systematic destruction and relocation of communities are part and parcel of the oil project. People in the areas around the militarised oil installations and the pipeline route have been subjected to devastating attacks by government forces for years. They are being driven from their homes by air-raids and bombardment, and by militias supported by the government, resulting in horrendous suffering.
The government of Sudan has called the oil "a sacred gift to the faithful"
A huge country of vast semi-desert expanses and intense heat, Sudan is said to have oil reserves of anything from 600 million barrels to 3 billion. It also has minerals, gold, uranium, and vast expanses of arable land. Tempting, perhaps. The government of Sudan has called the oil "a sacred gift to the faithful". Its would-be partners in the oil project - companies from Canada, China and Malaysia, Austria, Sweden and France - seem to think likewise, as do the suppliers of oil pipeline equipment from Britain and Germany, and the oil traders from Netherlands and Japan. But when it comes to making use of this asset, it is not only the sheer immensity of the terrain that brings with it a host of complications.
The former UN Human Rights Rapporteur who worked on Sudan for years, Dr Gaspar Biro, has commented that if the oil companies don't know what is going on, they're not looking over the fences of their compounds.
Nonetheless, along with Canada, China and Malaysia, European countries are increasingly involved in oil project. They are ignoring the role it plays in the conflict and instead casting it in a favourable light. And the European Union seems to be doing the same.
- - -
The regime has repeatedly denied permission for humanitarian flights to aid the most afflicted populations, dropped cluster bombs on clearly civilian targets, and repeatedly bombed clearly-marked civilian hospitals.
Throughout the 1990s, Sudan's NIF government has been using the prospect of oil for maximum propaganda value, a vital part of its efforts to get rid of its international "human rights and terrorism pariah" status and attract foreign investment into its war-devastated economy. The growing involvement of Canadian and European companies has begun to lend it a much-needed, but unwarranted, appearance of respectability.
As Aung San Suu Kyi said of UK's Premier Oil in Burma: "Apart from the actual revenues that it brings to the government, it also constitutes a psychological boost because it makes the government feel that, however repressive they may be, they still have the support of big companies. And if those countries are from Western democracies, it's even more serious because it gives the military regime the chance to say: 'Look, even companies from Western democracies support us, so what we are doing can't be that wrong. Why are the democratic forces making such a fuss?'" (Mark Thomas / Channel 4 TV www.channel4.com, October 1999)
- - -
Above all, the National Islamic Front government desperately needs the revenue from the oil project to strengthen its grip on the country.
Despite its constant use of the word "Popular" in its slogans, the NIF itself is extremely unpopular. In the 1986 general elections its members won less than ten per cent of the vote; it staged a coup in 1989 to abort a peace process, and it would lose disastrously if free elections were held now. But it has held on to power for a decade on which it has made its mark by its readiness to deny charges of systematic and gross human rights abuse, claiming persecution by the outside world for its "Islamic orientation".
In practice this has amounted to religiously-infused totalitarianism, feared and despised by the predominantly Muslim community in northern Sudan, nearly as much as by the people of the generally non-Muslim south. Its encouragement of violent militancy has spread beyond Sudan's borders and is a source of alarm to its neighbours in the Horn of Africa.
- - -
Further reading:
Aug 2: World Food Programme is starting to airdrop food in remote parts of Darfur. Refugees are receiving the food sacks dropped by WFP. WFP (a UN body) is airlifting food to the "most inaccessible" parts of Sudan's western Darfur region for the first time. It says the food will assist more than 70,000 people who have been cut off from other help because of the rainy season and insecurity. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which says it distributed food to 20,000 Darfurians earlier this month, says persisting pockets of fighting and attacks have made access to people in the region difficult.
Aug 2: World must double food aid to Sudan warns head of MSF, today.
Aug 2: Sudan's Army says the UN resolution on the conflict in Darfur is 'a declaration of war' and threatens to fight any foreign intervention.
Aug 2:: US State Department says: "There is no excuse for Sudan not taking action now. The Security Council calls for action now. And that's what we want to see. And we will evaluate the situation again in 30 days."
Aug 2 report on Sudan's military situation: military experts in Britain say Sudanese Armed Forces are conscript-dependent and poorly equipped."
Aug 2: post by Black Looks on Playing Politics in Darfur
July 24:
Booker Rising writes: "Mustafa Osman Ismail Sudan's foreign minister (pictured above) rejects a U.S. Congressional declaration that atrocities in its western Darfur region amounts to genocide. He insists that his government is doing everything it can to end the conflict, which has killed 30,000 people and forced a million to flee. He accuses global concern as "actually a targeting of the Islamic state in Sudan." Let's see. 2 million folks have died since 1983, at the government's hand. 400+ black villages burned down. Slavery. Government-backed Arab militias conduct mass rape campaigns against black women, knowing that ethnicity in the region is traced through the father. Yep, genocide."# posted by Ingrid @ 8/03/2004
Monday, August 02, 2004
AFRICAN UNION HAS POWERS TO SEND TROOPS
To stop genocide and war crimes in any member country
Today, the government of Sudan rejected the the deadline in the U.N. resolutlon passed Friday.
Diplomats say it's not up to the government of Sudan to either accept or reject the UN resolution.
GoS have no choice in the matter except to meet its demands or accept the international community's offer of help.
But they are rejecting all offers of help. And insist they will retaliate with force if any foreign troops set foot in Sudan. They have all sorts of air power and 12 new MiGs.
How would it be possible for foreign troops to get into Darfur for humanitarian reasons, without getting permission from the government of Sudan?
Huge thanks to Journal for the pointer to an excellent July 30 report from the Economist entitled "African Union threatens action in Darfur."
The report makes this statement:
"The AU’s own “peace and security council” has powers to send troops to stop genocide and war crimes in any member country"
Note to Jim - in response to his latest SOS for Sudan post: What is the best way for our net voices to be heard by the African Union?
PS Important to note that on June 10, 2004, the EU announced it had mobilised 12 million euros* from its recently established Africa Peace Facility to support African Union peace-keeping operations in Darfur, Sudan. The Peace Facility provides 250 million euros from the European Development Fund to support African led peacekeeping operations in Africa.
*Live mid market rates as of Sunday, August 01, 2004:
1 EUR = 1.205 USD
1 USD = 0.8299 EUR
12,000,000 EUR = 14,463,600 USD
250,000,000 EUR = 301,250,000 USD
To stop genocide and war crimes in any member country
Today, the government of Sudan rejected the the deadline in the U.N. resolutlon passed Friday.
Diplomats say it's not up to the government of Sudan to either accept or reject the UN resolution.
GoS have no choice in the matter except to meet its demands or accept the international community's offer of help.
But they are rejecting all offers of help. And insist they will retaliate with force if any foreign troops set foot in Sudan. They have all sorts of air power and 12 new MiGs.
How would it be possible for foreign troops to get into Darfur for humanitarian reasons, without getting permission from the government of Sudan?
Huge thanks to Journal for the pointer to an excellent July 30 report from the Economist entitled "African Union threatens action in Darfur."
The report makes this statement:
"The AU’s own “peace and security council” has powers to send troops to stop genocide and war crimes in any member country"
Note to Jim - in response to his latest SOS for Sudan post: What is the best way for our net voices to be heard by the African Union?
PS Important to note that on June 10, 2004, the EU announced it had mobilised 12 million euros* from its recently established Africa Peace Facility to support African Union peace-keeping operations in Darfur, Sudan. The Peace Facility provides 250 million euros from the European Development Fund to support African led peacekeeping operations in Africa.
*Live mid market rates as of Sunday, August 01, 2004:
1 EUR = 1.205 USD
1 USD = 0.8299 EUR
12,000,000 EUR = 14,463,600 USD
250,000,000 EUR = 301,250,000 USD
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/02/2004
- - -
JIM SAYS: WE HAVE THE POWER -
Please keep it up
Back in April, when Jim Moore first started blogging about genocide in Darfur, several days would go by without any news reports while 30,000 people were slaughtered in Darfur. A few months later, Instapundit seemed to be the only blog with a large readership (take a look at his stats) doing regular updates on the Sudan.
During the past week the blogosphere is coming alive with blog posts on Sudan. Some who responded to Jim's latest post on how we can help, are listed here below.
And on July 31, another milestone was reached, when the Holocaust museum declared the situation in Darfur a 'genocide emergency'.
Here is what Jim says in point number 4:
"We have the power. A top US congressional aid told me three days ago: "What you people [all those who have brought attention and care to Darfur, not just this site] are doing on the web has been very very valuable. Thank you all. Your work enables us [in government] to say to our colleagues, 'see, the public cares and wants us to act. The public is with us.' Please keep it up."
Here is what some other bloggers are saying (sorry there is not room here for everyone - I'll post more at a later date)
Aug 1: Joi Ito's Web: "Sudan: a failure of will - A call to action that you should all read. This is "low hanging fruit" on the "lets do something good today" tree. Take some action today."
Joho the Blog: "Remember Sudan - We need to lead our leaders. Every day means more death and horror."
July 31: BrainStream: "Time to Take a Stand on Sudan - After seeing the blog coverage of the DNC and related "sub" coverage of the protest efforts, I think we have a real shot at making a difference."
Aug 1: chaotic intransient prose bursts: "Genocide in Sudan, A failure of will: 'Forces from across the world are poised to help the people of Darfur, but no nation has the will to move forward.' Spreading the word on this may help push nations."
Aug 1: bopuc/weblog:: " A failure of will - Anybody have any information about what Canada is doing about this, if anything? Google News Search: Canada Darfur . Good start."
July 27: We might as well dance: " Not in our name ..." Update on "Not in our name ..."
July 25: Crazy Canuck Darfur, ReDux
July 23: a relative path: "US Congress Declares Darfur Situation Genocide"
July 14: Winds of Change: Regional Briefing focuses on Africa, courtesy of AfricaPundit.
More links to those blogging about the Sudan in bottom left sidebar at Passion of the Present.
- - -
ROBERT CORR'S
Kick & Scream in Australia
It's hard to believe that Australian blogger Robert Corr is only 22 years old. He has written a great post on the Sudan that gives a good intro for those who are new to the story, along with today's update.
Robert was born in Dublin, Ireland and has lived in Perth, Western Australia, since he was six. Currently, he is studying studying a combined Law/Arts degree at the University of Notre Dame. And is still waiting for the marks for his history honours thesis. He has two (or three) more years of legal studies before he graduates. He's active within the Australian Labour Party, and a proud member of its left wing. He's a Junior Vice-President of Young Labour at the national level, and its Secretary in WA. He works for a Labour Senator.
Robert became a blogger in 2001. The title of his blog Kick & Scream is taken from the lyrics of a song "Resisting Tyrannical Government". He writes: "Yes, I recognise the irony that the system I oppose affords me the luxury of biting the hand that feeds. That's exactly why privileged f*cks like me should feel the need to whine and kick & scream, until everyone has everything they need. I live in comfort, but not because I'm a better person than somebody else: it's an accident of birth. My good fortune does not outweigh capitalism's injustice, and I have an obligation to stick up for those it has left behind. This weblog might not change the world, but I hope it will help me take a baby step in that direction."
Yay for Robert. Good luck. The world is his oyster. Lucky chap is off to Canberra this week.
Here's a note to Robert if he's reading this: check out Gavin's blog - and his sidebar of Irish bloggers. The Irish and Aussies like their drink, so my guess is that you two clever chaps - with great futures ahead - being the same ages and all - could have a lot of things in common.
JIM SAYS: WE HAVE THE POWER -
Please keep it up
Back in April, when Jim Moore first started blogging about genocide in Darfur, several days would go by without any news reports while 30,000 people were slaughtered in Darfur. A few months later, Instapundit seemed to be the only blog with a large readership (take a look at his stats) doing regular updates on the Sudan.
During the past week the blogosphere is coming alive with blog posts on Sudan. Some who responded to Jim's latest post on how we can help, are listed here below.
And on July 31, another milestone was reached, when the Holocaust museum declared the situation in Darfur a 'genocide emergency'.
Here is what Jim says in point number 4:
"We have the power. A top US congressional aid told me three days ago: "What you people [all those who have brought attention and care to Darfur, not just this site] are doing on the web has been very very valuable. Thank you all. Your work enables us [in government] to say to our colleagues, 'see, the public cares and wants us to act. The public is with us.' Please keep it up."
Here is what some other bloggers are saying (sorry there is not room here for everyone - I'll post more at a later date)
Aug 1: Joi Ito's Web: "Sudan: a failure of will - A call to action that you should all read. This is "low hanging fruit" on the "lets do something good today" tree. Take some action today."
Joho the Blog: "Remember Sudan - We need to lead our leaders. Every day means more death and horror."
July 31: BrainStream: "Time to Take a Stand on Sudan - After seeing the blog coverage of the DNC and related "sub" coverage of the protest efforts, I think we have a real shot at making a difference."
Aug 1: chaotic intransient prose bursts: "Genocide in Sudan, A failure of will: 'Forces from across the world are poised to help the people of Darfur, but no nation has the will to move forward.' Spreading the word on this may help push nations."
Aug 1: bopuc/weblog:: " A failure of will - Anybody have any information about what Canada is doing about this, if anything? Google News Search: Canada Darfur . Good start."
July 27: We might as well dance: " Not in our name ..." Update on "Not in our name ..."
July 25: Crazy Canuck Darfur, ReDux
July 23: a relative path: "US Congress Declares Darfur Situation Genocide"
July 14: Winds of Change: Regional Briefing focuses on Africa, courtesy of AfricaPundit.
More links to those blogging about the Sudan in bottom left sidebar at Passion of the Present.
- - -
ROBERT CORR'S
Kick & Scream in Australia
It's hard to believe that Australian blogger Robert Corr is only 22 years old. He has written a great post on the Sudan that gives a good intro for those who are new to the story, along with today's update.
Robert was born in Dublin, Ireland and has lived in Perth, Western Australia, since he was six. Currently, he is studying studying a combined Law/Arts degree at the University of Notre Dame. And is still waiting for the marks for his history honours thesis. He has two (or three) more years of legal studies before he graduates. He's active within the Australian Labour Party, and a proud member of its left wing. He's a Junior Vice-President of Young Labour at the national level, and its Secretary in WA. He works for a Labour Senator.
Robert became a blogger in 2001. The title of his blog Kick & Scream is taken from the lyrics of a song "Resisting Tyrannical Government". He writes: "Yes, I recognise the irony that the system I oppose affords me the luxury of biting the hand that feeds. That's exactly why privileged f*cks like me should feel the need to whine and kick & scream, until everyone has everything they need. I live in comfort, but not because I'm a better person than somebody else: it's an accident of birth. My good fortune does not outweigh capitalism's injustice, and I have an obligation to stick up for those it has left behind. This weblog might not change the world, but I hope it will help me take a baby step in that direction."
Yay for Robert. Good luck. The world is his oyster. Lucky chap is off to Canberra this week.
Here's a note to Robert if he's reading this: check out Gavin's blog - and his sidebar of Irish bloggers. The Irish and Aussies like their drink, so my guess is that you two clever chaps - with great futures ahead - being the same ages and all - could have a lot of things in common.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/02/2004
- - -
SUDAN SONG BLOG
Features Sudan Song mp3
Listen to the new Sudan Song at the Sudan Song blog. What do you think? For some reason I am unable to download it, so have not yet listened to it. Have you? If so, what do you think? Please let me know in the comments or by email. Thanks.
- - -
GOOGLE SEARCH BOX IN MY SIDEBAR
Searches on keywords and lists all my posts on Darfur, Sudan
As events have unfolded in Sudan over the past three months, I've logged them here daily for future reference. This past week the mainstream media and blogosphere seem to be coming alive with reports on Darfur - every ten minutes or so. I'm barely able to keep up with all the reading. Seems like ten reports every hour or two. My inbox has hundreds of email alerts that I need to delete.
I use the search box in my sidebar to find previous posts using Google searches. Click into Darfur and you will see 88 of my posts. Click into Sudan and you will see about 102 of my posts.
Most of them contain more than a few on Darfur, so there could be well over 400 posts I've written over the past 100 days. Helps me to see why I am seriously "over tired". Must keep going though. One more important post on African Union and Jim's SOS on Sudan to write. I have several posts ready in advance to post here tonight. And then I need to take a break. Haven't even read the Sunday paper yet. Outdoor painter decorator will be here all week. And it looks like he has the same sort of work schedule as the carpenter. On day two he arrived at 8.30 am but left at noon (fine weather) to go car racing. He's doing prep so I haven't even seen a paint brush yet. At this rate, I expect he will be here for the rest of the summer.
SUDAN SONG BLOG
Features Sudan Song mp3
Listen to the new Sudan Song at the Sudan Song blog. What do you think? For some reason I am unable to download it, so have not yet listened to it. Have you? If so, what do you think? Please let me know in the comments or by email. Thanks.
- - -
GOOGLE SEARCH BOX IN MY SIDEBAR
Searches on keywords and lists all my posts on Darfur, Sudan
As events have unfolded in Sudan over the past three months, I've logged them here daily for future reference. This past week the mainstream media and blogosphere seem to be coming alive with reports on Darfur - every ten minutes or so. I'm barely able to keep up with all the reading. Seems like ten reports every hour or two. My inbox has hundreds of email alerts that I need to delete.
I use the search box in my sidebar to find previous posts using Google searches. Click into Darfur and you will see 88 of my posts. Click into Sudan and you will see about 102 of my posts.
Most of them contain more than a few on Darfur, so there could be well over 400 posts I've written over the past 100 days. Helps me to see why I am seriously "over tired". Must keep going though. One more important post on African Union and Jim's SOS on Sudan to write. I have several posts ready in advance to post here tonight. And then I need to take a break. Haven't even read the Sunday paper yet. Outdoor painter decorator will be here all week. And it looks like he has the same sort of work schedule as the carpenter. On day two he arrived at 8.30 am but left at noon (fine weather) to go car racing. He's doing prep so I haven't even seen a paint brush yet. At this rate, I expect he will be here for the rest of the summer.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/02/2004
- - -
OIL AND MINERAL RICHES IN DARFUR
Uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas:
France is interested in Uranium and has drilling rights in Sudan
Beyond3D, "an attempt in conversation", has a thread going on re my July 21 post on OIl and Darfur. The same post was picked up here by Passion of the Present.
My search for reports of any riches in Darfur is an ongoing project. Along with answers to my original questions (still not found answers). And why France was so slow to help when they knew - first hand - of genocide unfolding. New findings re riches in Darfur will be added to my original post as and when. France is a post-in-progress and will appear here. Soon I shall start paying more attention to my new blog A Breath of Hope to log the successes and failures of the aid agencies. Please feel free to share any relevant info on any of these topics by email to me or in the comments and I will write a post around it and link to your blog.
At the moment I am searching for maps to pinpoint Hofrat Al Nihas. (Other names: Hofrat el Nahas, Hofrat en Nahās, Ḩufrat an Naḩās, Hofrat en Nahas). I think it may be in South Darfur - maybe close to a border. My time has been used up getting these posts together. If anyone finds it clearly -- on a map -- please let me know and I will write a post around it with links to your blog. Here's why:
Khaleej Times Online report excerpt: "The oil and precious mineral resources such as uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas have set off fierce competition between US and France. The US has started to invest in oil industry in Chad, France's former colony, while France Total company obtained drilling rights in Sudan."
OIL AND MINERAL RICHES IN DARFUR
Uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas:
France is interested in Uranium and has drilling rights in Sudan
Beyond3D, "an attempt in conversation", has a thread going on re my July 21 post on OIl and Darfur. The same post was picked up here by Passion of the Present.
My search for reports of any riches in Darfur is an ongoing project. Along with answers to my original questions (still not found answers). And why France was so slow to help when they knew - first hand - of genocide unfolding. New findings re riches in Darfur will be added to my original post as and when. France is a post-in-progress and will appear here. Soon I shall start paying more attention to my new blog A Breath of Hope to log the successes and failures of the aid agencies. Please feel free to share any relevant info on any of these topics by email to me or in the comments and I will write a post around it and link to your blog.
At the moment I am searching for maps to pinpoint Hofrat Al Nihas. (Other names: Hofrat el Nahas, Hofrat en Nahās, Ḩufrat an Naḩās, Hofrat en Nahas). I think it may be in South Darfur - maybe close to a border. My time has been used up getting these posts together. If anyone finds it clearly -- on a map -- please let me know and I will write a post around it with links to your blog. Here's why:
Khaleej Times Online report excerpt: "The oil and precious mineral resources such as uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas have set off fierce competition between US and France. The US has started to invest in oil industry in Chad, France's former colony, while France Total company obtained drilling rights in Sudan."
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/02/2004
Sunday, August 01, 2004
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM
Blogging doctor visits democratic convention
Blogging doctor Nicholas Genes lives and works on the east coast of America. Nick says his big revelation this week is that he has hobnobbed with the literati (but just didn't know it at the time). Back in college, Duncan Black used to date Nick's friend, and hang out. Years later, Black assumed the secret identity of Atrios, the prominent liberal blogger who recently revealed himself this week in Boston. But Nick will always remember him as "Dunkers" ... or on a bad day, "Clunkers" ...
Nick usually writes about medicine, science and a variety of interesting stuff. But little about himself. So it was a treat to read about his visit to Boston, Wednesday evening, to experience the convention - and beer.
He points out there's a lot of social climbing at these events, and says "If you don't have something official dangling from your neck, you're not going to have long conversations with those who do."
There was a man in a furry donkey mask, walking around and shouting into a megaphone: "It has come to my attention that John Kerry has not released his dental records. What is Kerry trying to hide?" And Nick saw a noted historian wearing leather and stripes looking like a rock star (from behind). One of his friends claimed he saw Rudolph Giuliani KBE.
He says LaRouche people were everywhere. One of them was following around rich-looking delegates and telling them their money would be worthless in the new order. Another was wandering around, shouting, "A vote for Kerry is a vote for Edwards."
Of the controversial "free speech zone" (pictured here) more than a block away from the convention site, Nick writes: "the free speech zone really was creepy. Chain link, barbed wire, and the monstrous steel remains of the old central artery gave the area a Big Government feel, back when Big Government meant forced internment."
Of the "cage" he says: "It's a shame that nobody's making use of the cage, though. Think of how compelling and poignant the images would be if there were a lone protester, holding up their sign, in the middle of the cage. When we saw this, it was not so much compelling & poignant, just pathetic. The site was pretty much deserted, so anyone could step up to the podium and heckle the passing delegates. Maybe I'll get a picture up."
Here's hoping Nick posts pictures - and continues to write more about his life, and things like his chatting up of a malpractice trial lawyer :)
PS Wish people wouldn't mention they have a secret when they're unwilling to share it :) In Nick's post he writes about four openers to use in conversation with strangers at a convention. Two of them don't work. The two that do work he says, are, um, going to stay secret...
- - -
HOPE IS ON THE WAY, HELP IS ON THE WAY
What kind of person wants to be a politician anyway?
Blogging pathologist Madhu, who lives in the same part of America as Nick, makes me laugh. Maybe in another life she was a comedian. I find her very funny. Everything she writes makes me titter, chuckle, chortle or smile. Her take on life is unique and subtle. She has a very fine and gentle mind that's always on the ball.
A few days ago, Madhu wrote how she watched some of the Democratic Convention on television, and parts of Edwards' speech. Love this line she wrote: "Nice wife introduced him and cute kids hugged him at the end. In between, he smiled and sparkled and got that misty, far-away look in in eyes, like, look how far I've come, just look! "
While watching the convention, Madhu clicked in and out of a reality TV show called "Amish in the City" that gives five young adults the chance to explore the big city and discover what life is like outside their Amish communities. When one Amish kid tried to show the city kids a toy he had carved out of wood and he was so shy and clueless, she could hardly bear to watch. And she added, "ditto for the convention". Heh :)
Years ago, I spent* six eye opening weeks in York, Pennsylvania. Life there each Sunday had to be seen to be believed. Religion completely overtook the TV and radio stations. Glad the Amish kids TV show is not shown here. I'd find it gut wrenchingly exploitative and sad. And cruel too, pitting opposites against each other for the sake of good ratings. Reminds me of animal cruelty in the olden days when different breeds were thrown together for the amusement of onlookers to wager bets on the outcome.
The BBC has a round-up of voters' views on the Democratic Convention. Here's looking forward to reading what bloggers have to say about the Republican Convention.
* not telling why - it's a secret :)
Blogging doctor visits democratic convention
Blogging doctor Nicholas Genes lives and works on the east coast of America. Nick says his big revelation this week is that he has hobnobbed with the literati (but just didn't know it at the time). Back in college, Duncan Black used to date Nick's friend, and hang out. Years later, Black assumed the secret identity of Atrios, the prominent liberal blogger who recently revealed himself this week in Boston. But Nick will always remember him as "Dunkers" ... or on a bad day, "Clunkers" ...
Nick usually writes about medicine, science and a variety of interesting stuff. But little about himself. So it was a treat to read about his visit to Boston, Wednesday evening, to experience the convention - and beer.
He points out there's a lot of social climbing at these events, and says "If you don't have something official dangling from your neck, you're not going to have long conversations with those who do."
There was a man in a furry donkey mask, walking around and shouting into a megaphone: "It has come to my attention that John Kerry has not released his dental records. What is Kerry trying to hide?" And Nick saw a noted historian wearing leather and stripes looking like a rock star (from behind). One of his friends claimed he saw Rudolph Giuliani KBE.
He says LaRouche people were everywhere. One of them was following around rich-looking delegates and telling them their money would be worthless in the new order. Another was wandering around, shouting, "A vote for Kerry is a vote for Edwards."
Of the controversial "free speech zone" (pictured here) more than a block away from the convention site, Nick writes: "the free speech zone really was creepy. Chain link, barbed wire, and the monstrous steel remains of the old central artery gave the area a Big Government feel, back when Big Government meant forced internment."
Of the "cage" he says: "It's a shame that nobody's making use of the cage, though. Think of how compelling and poignant the images would be if there were a lone protester, holding up their sign, in the middle of the cage. When we saw this, it was not so much compelling & poignant, just pathetic. The site was pretty much deserted, so anyone could step up to the podium and heckle the passing delegates. Maybe I'll get a picture up."
Here's hoping Nick posts pictures - and continues to write more about his life, and things like his chatting up of a malpractice trial lawyer :)
PS Wish people wouldn't mention they have a secret when they're unwilling to share it :) In Nick's post he writes about four openers to use in conversation with strangers at a convention. Two of them don't work. The two that do work he says, are, um, going to stay secret...
- - -
HOPE IS ON THE WAY, HELP IS ON THE WAY
What kind of person wants to be a politician anyway?
Blogging pathologist Madhu, who lives in the same part of America as Nick, makes me laugh. Maybe in another life she was a comedian. I find her very funny. Everything she writes makes me titter, chuckle, chortle or smile. Her take on life is unique and subtle. She has a very fine and gentle mind that's always on the ball.
A few days ago, Madhu wrote how she watched some of the Democratic Convention on television, and parts of Edwards' speech. Love this line she wrote: "Nice wife introduced him and cute kids hugged him at the end. In between, he smiled and sparkled and got that misty, far-away look in in eyes, like, look how far I've come, just look! "
While watching the convention, Madhu clicked in and out of a reality TV show called "Amish in the City" that gives five young adults the chance to explore the big city and discover what life is like outside their Amish communities. When one Amish kid tried to show the city kids a toy he had carved out of wood and he was so shy and clueless, she could hardly bear to watch. And she added, "ditto for the convention". Heh :)
Years ago, I spent* six eye opening weeks in York, Pennsylvania. Life there each Sunday had to be seen to be believed. Religion completely overtook the TV and radio stations. Glad the Amish kids TV show is not shown here. I'd find it gut wrenchingly exploitative and sad. And cruel too, pitting opposites against each other for the sake of good ratings. Reminds me of animal cruelty in the olden days when different breeds were thrown together for the amusement of onlookers to wager bets on the outcome.
The BBC has a round-up of voters' views on the Democratic Convention. Here's looking forward to reading what bloggers have to say about the Republican Convention.
* not telling why - it's a secret :)
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/01/2004
- - -
COMMENT ON KERRY'S SPEECH - FROM A BUSH SUPPORTER
At Jim Moore's Journal in Boston
Jim Moore's latest post "Home run by John Kerry, language for leadership of all of America" says Senator John Kerry gave the speech of his life, the speech needed to win the election and replace George Bush. Interesting. It will be interesting to read other views.
In his post, Jim says John Kerry made a clear, clean commitment to doing what is needed to get the country going again. (btw do Americans think there is something wrong with America? Going by what else is going on around the world, it seems to me, Americans have never had it so good). Don, a reader of Jim's Journal, made the following comment , which I am copying here in full as it's from the heart and makes for interesting reading:
I watched most of his speech.
A lot of it sounded just like what President Bush says about the War on Terror and not letting any institution (the U. N.) hinder our own defense.
As a proud American I support President Bush and the Republicans.
Why Kerry keeps talking about Vietnam is a puzzle to me. I was against that war, exposed to the draft during the Vietnam War, voluntarily joined the United States Navy Reserves to serve my country in 1970, was glad when that war was over. Most of the country was against that war, yet today's Democrats seem to relish in the idea that Kerry went around killing Vietnamese in a war where we had no business being because Vietnam never threatened us.
Once again, Democrats make little sense to me...
Unlike President Bush who made the case against the enemies of the United States by going to Congress who gave him overwhelming approval to proceed with war. Who went to the United Nations (huge waste of time) and was cut-off by the French. By the way, that is the same France that Kerry thinks he can smooze if he were elected. LOL!
Dave Winer thinks Kerry made a home run with his Nomination Speech last night. http://archive.scripting.com/2004/07/30#When:10:29:27AM
I say Kerry bunted poorly and was tagged out at the plate by Dick Cheney who also whispered something in his ear...
I do like the ideas of health care for all Americans. I'm for stem cell research. I'm for a good educational system. I'll work through my Republican representatives on those matters.
As for security, I could never vote for a Democrat. President Lyndon Johnson who promoted the Vietnam War was the worst President during my life for doing so. President Jimmy Carter was a wimp over Iran, a Nobel Prize Wimp nonetheless. President Bill Clinton didn't go to war when we were attacked and gave the green light to the North Koreans to build nuclear weapons.
Now I do want to know what President Bush intends to do to stop the threats from Iran, North Korea, and Syria. I already know diplomacy doesn't work with those countries. So when do the military operations start? Those are the key questions I want to know.
So after last night's speech by Kerry, I think the undecided vote will start moving towards President Bush's camp. Americans know he can be counted on to defend us and take preemptive military action against our enemies.
If I were President Bush, I would nominate John Kerry as Special Ambassador to France today. I'd let him go make any deal with the French that the Americans could support in getting France to stop being obstructionists in the world. To get them to stop helping America's enemies develop weapons, to stop end-running U.N. sanctions (as they did in Iraq). I'd let Kerry do that and see just how far he gets by Election Day.
COMMENT ON KERRY'S SPEECH - FROM A BUSH SUPPORTER
At Jim Moore's Journal in Boston
Jim Moore's latest post "Home run by John Kerry, language for leadership of all of America" says Senator John Kerry gave the speech of his life, the speech needed to win the election and replace George Bush. Interesting. It will be interesting to read other views.
In his post, Jim says John Kerry made a clear, clean commitment to doing what is needed to get the country going again. (btw do Americans think there is something wrong with America? Going by what else is going on around the world, it seems to me, Americans have never had it so good). Don, a reader of Jim's Journal, made the following comment , which I am copying here in full as it's from the heart and makes for interesting reading:
I watched most of his speech.
A lot of it sounded just like what President Bush says about the War on Terror and not letting any institution (the U. N.) hinder our own defense.
As a proud American I support President Bush and the Republicans.
Why Kerry keeps talking about Vietnam is a puzzle to me. I was against that war, exposed to the draft during the Vietnam War, voluntarily joined the United States Navy Reserves to serve my country in 1970, was glad when that war was over. Most of the country was against that war, yet today's Democrats seem to relish in the idea that Kerry went around killing Vietnamese in a war where we had no business being because Vietnam never threatened us.
Once again, Democrats make little sense to me...
Unlike President Bush who made the case against the enemies of the United States by going to Congress who gave him overwhelming approval to proceed with war. Who went to the United Nations (huge waste of time) and was cut-off by the French. By the way, that is the same France that Kerry thinks he can smooze if he were elected. LOL!
Dave Winer thinks Kerry made a home run with his Nomination Speech last night. http://archive.scripting.com/2004/07/30#When:10:29:27AM
I say Kerry bunted poorly and was tagged out at the plate by Dick Cheney who also whispered something in his ear...
I do like the ideas of health care for all Americans. I'm for stem cell research. I'm for a good educational system. I'll work through my Republican representatives on those matters.
As for security, I could never vote for a Democrat. President Lyndon Johnson who promoted the Vietnam War was the worst President during my life for doing so. President Jimmy Carter was a wimp over Iran, a Nobel Prize Wimp nonetheless. President Bill Clinton didn't go to war when we were attacked and gave the green light to the North Koreans to build nuclear weapons.
Now I do want to know what President Bush intends to do to stop the threats from Iran, North Korea, and Syria. I already know diplomacy doesn't work with those countries. So when do the military operations start? Those are the key questions I want to know.
So after last night's speech by Kerry, I think the undecided vote will start moving towards President Bush's camp. Americans know he can be counted on to defend us and take preemptive military action against our enemies.
If I were President Bush, I would nominate John Kerry as Special Ambassador to France today. I'd let him go make any deal with the French that the Americans could support in getting France to stop being obstructionists in the world. To get them to stop helping America's enemies develop weapons, to stop end-running U.N. sanctions (as they did in Iraq). I'd let Kerry do that and see just how far he gets by Election Day.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/01/2004
- - -
MR HASSLE'S LONG UNDERPANTS:
A great blog by a trainee emergency doctor
Doc Schazam, the author of Mr. Hassle's Long Underpants, is a female emergency medicine resident in training at a trauma center in America.
If I wasn't so immersed in keeping up with what is going on in the Sudan, I would follow her blog more often. I enjoy and admire her honesty. Her writing is prolific, peppy, lighthearted, heavyhearted and humourous and takes you through a gamut of emotions covering the daily highs and lows of life as trainee emergency doctor.
My guess is that Doc Schazam writes in the way that she speaks because you can 'hear' her voice, sense her mood and personality.
She writes generously about her work and life and posts pictures of herself which give you a good an insight into her as a person, what she thinks and how she takes care of patients. And the hell of being horribly overworked while healing from back surgery. The posts that I've read were all compelling, engrossing, amusing and touching.
If ever you have reason to be helicoptered to a trauma center in America, you'd sure like someone like Doc Schazam to be there for you and squeeze your hand or give you a reassuring hug.
MR HASSLE'S LONG UNDERPANTS:
A great blog by a trainee emergency doctor
Doc Schazam, the author of Mr. Hassle's Long Underpants, is a female emergency medicine resident in training at a trauma center in America.
If I wasn't so immersed in keeping up with what is going on in the Sudan, I would follow her blog more often. I enjoy and admire her honesty. Her writing is prolific, peppy, lighthearted, heavyhearted and humourous and takes you through a gamut of emotions covering the daily highs and lows of life as trainee emergency doctor.
My guess is that Doc Schazam writes in the way that she speaks because you can 'hear' her voice, sense her mood and personality.
She writes generously about her work and life and posts pictures of herself which give you a good an insight into her as a person, what she thinks and how she takes care of patients. And the hell of being horribly overworked while healing from back surgery. The posts that I've read were all compelling, engrossing, amusing and touching.
If ever you have reason to be helicoptered to a trauma center in America, you'd sure like someone like Doc Schazam to be there for you and squeeze your hand or give you a reassuring hug.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/01/2004
- - -
ARAB LEAGUE AND ITS OFFICIALS -
Have been inexplicably silent on Sudan
The Daily Star on-line edition is the Web's leading source of news and information on Lebanese and regional news. Here is an excerpt from their excellent August 2 Editorial on collective Arab shame entitled "Those who ignored Darfur cannot be credibly outraged":
In the midst of this ongoing humanitarian crisis, the world is actively debating whether this is ethnic cleansing, genocide, a crime against humanity, or all of the above. The Arab states, meanwhile, seem to be taking a more relaxed approach to the situation. The Egyptian foreign minister said after a one-day visit to Sudan that he hoped the Khartoum government would "deal positively" with the UN, and also urged Western powers to understand the situation in Darfur was complex. He said Sudanese officials expressed a desire to work with Egypt, other Arabs, Africans and the entire international community to resolve the Darfur crisis.
If this is the case, why did Egypt and other Arab states not move earlier to work with Sudan to achieve a breakthrough? Sudan and the UN secretary-general reached agreement a month ago to disarm the janjaweed militias and accept human rights monitors in Darfur. The rapid pace of international intervention in Darfur has not been welcomed by many Arab officials and observers, some of whom even suspect ulterior motives for Western troops arriving in the region. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said it was unacceptable that Sudan become a "playground to accept troops from tens of thousands of miles away" from countries that are hostile to the Arabs.
This is perplexing to the point of absurdity, and collective Arab shame. The Arab League and its officials have been inexplicably silent during the past 18 months as the Darfur crisis has unfolded before their eyes. Those who have brandished only silence in the recent past have no credibility when they express outrage or concern today, or caution prudence. Are a million refugees and 30,000 dead next door not enough reason to act? Foreign troops are coming to Darfur for humanitarian reasons, because the Arab neighbors who should have acted faster remain docile and indifferent.
ARAB LEAGUE AND ITS OFFICIALS -
Have been inexplicably silent on Sudan
The Daily Star on-line edition is the Web's leading source of news and information on Lebanese and regional news. Here is an excerpt from their excellent August 2 Editorial on collective Arab shame entitled "Those who ignored Darfur cannot be credibly outraged":
In the midst of this ongoing humanitarian crisis, the world is actively debating whether this is ethnic cleansing, genocide, a crime against humanity, or all of the above. The Arab states, meanwhile, seem to be taking a more relaxed approach to the situation. The Egyptian foreign minister said after a one-day visit to Sudan that he hoped the Khartoum government would "deal positively" with the UN, and also urged Western powers to understand the situation in Darfur was complex. He said Sudanese officials expressed a desire to work with Egypt, other Arabs, Africans and the entire international community to resolve the Darfur crisis.
If this is the case, why did Egypt and other Arab states not move earlier to work with Sudan to achieve a breakthrough? Sudan and the UN secretary-general reached agreement a month ago to disarm the janjaweed militias and accept human rights monitors in Darfur. The rapid pace of international intervention in Darfur has not been welcomed by many Arab officials and observers, some of whom even suspect ulterior motives for Western troops arriving in the region. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said it was unacceptable that Sudan become a "playground to accept troops from tens of thousands of miles away" from countries that are hostile to the Arabs.
This is perplexing to the point of absurdity, and collective Arab shame. The Arab League and its officials have been inexplicably silent during the past 18 months as the Darfur crisis has unfolded before their eyes. Those who have brandished only silence in the recent past have no credibility when they express outrage or concern today, or caution prudence. Are a million refugees and 30,000 dead next door not enough reason to act? Foreign troops are coming to Darfur for humanitarian reasons, because the Arab neighbors who should have acted faster remain docile and indifferent.
# posted by Ingrid @ 8/01/2004
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- - -
UK SOLDIERS "ON STANDBY" FOR SUDAN
US special forces in Sudan hunting down Saudi terrorists
Aug 1: British soldiers have been put on standby for a possible deployment to Sudan. Soldiers of the 12 Mechanized Brigade were being briefed this weekend about a possible trip to the northwestern Dafur region.
12 Mechanised Brigade is the Army's 6th deployable brigade and forms part of The 3rd (United Kingdom) Division which is based in Tidworth. (Note to readers: I was born in Tidworth where my late father served as a soldier in the British Army's Royal Army Medical Corps).
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence described a news article as "just speculation", but she repeated comments made by Britain's top military commander last week that the country could send troops to Sudan if they were requested. She said no such request had been made.
Update Aug 1: Yay for Britain! Here is the third report I've seen today saying: "British soldiers on standby to avert humanitarian disaster in Darfur". Report excerpts: "Soldiers of the 12th Mechanised Infantry Brigade, based on Salisbury Plain, are being told that they might have to go to Sudan.
Opposition from Sudan's forces - long suspected of arming and training the Janjaweed - would make the protection of an international aid effort hugely complex. It would mean that most supplies would have to come overground from the Mediterranean via Libya, possibly with forward staging posts in Chad. "It would be a very complicated logistical operation," a senior British Army logistician said. In a force of about 5,000 troops sent from Britain, at least 2,000 would have to be transport, engineering and communications experts.
One option would be to stage an airlift from the Red Sea and the French bases at Djibouti - but any threat of confrontation by Sudan's air force - which has more than 40 Russian and Chinese interceptors and bombers - would rule this out, according to air defence experts.
Meanwhile, African states also held a summit in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, last week to discuss the Darfur crisis. The African Union has sent 80 observers to Darfur, backed up by a protection force of 300 troops. Britain and the European Union have provided logistical and financial support but have so far not got directly involved. This is the first operation of its type by the African Union, and is a test of whether it can become an effective enforcer in the region."
- - -
US SPECIAL FORCES IN SUDAN
Hunting down al-Qa'eda
Aug 1 UK Telegraph report confirms special forces are in Sudan hunting down Saudi Arabian terrorists who have re-established secret al-Qa'eda training camps in remote mountain ranges in the north-eastern quarter of the country.
American forces are hunting a series of groups linked to al-Qa'eda across North Africa. The terrorists, who are thought to take orders from Saudi Arabia's most wanted man, Saleh Awfi, have taken refuge in at least three locations in the Jebel Kurush mountains, which run parallel to the Red Sea coast of Africa's biggest country.
An American Delta Force officer, who recently spent a week in Sudan tracking the terrorists, said the camps are used to train new recruits to wage jihad, or holy war, against the West and its allies. The trainees are instructed how to handle weapons and build and transport bombs.
Special anti-terrorist operations in Sudan and the Horn of Africa are undertaken by marines based in Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.
Note: see previous post here July 21 re new US intelligence HQ in Djibouti.
- - -
FRENCH FLY U.N. AID TO EASTERN CHAD
French soldiers to deliver it to refugees from Darfur
French troops stationed in Chad have been have been mobilised to help secure the border between Chad and Darfur in Sudan. They've flown a plane load of UN aid into eastern Chad where French soldiers prepare to deliver it to refugees from Darfur. I wonder if this connection to the World Food Programme air drops reported to be taking place over three days. I still cannot understand why the French have not helped out sooner when the UN aid agencies were screaming out for helicopters to distribute aid. French soldiers are always in that region with a load of jets and stuff. I wonder if the French are getting paid to do this. See below post on how many hundreds of millions WFP has in its kitty.
- - -
Update: Aug 1: Rwanda is to investigate France's alleged role in the mass killing of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994. The Rwandan government said it was setting up an "independent commission charged with assembling the evidence of France's involvement in the genocide". Paris denies responsibility - although it has admitted supporting Rwanda's former Hutu-led government.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Today in 1747, the wearing of tartan (US = plaid) was prohibited. The penalty for a first offence was six months' imprisonment and, for a second, seven years' transportation.
UK SOLDIERS "ON STANDBY" FOR SUDAN
US special forces in Sudan hunting down Saudi terrorists
Aug 1: British soldiers have been put on standby for a possible deployment to Sudan. Soldiers of the 12 Mechanized Brigade were being briefed this weekend about a possible trip to the northwestern Dafur region.
12 Mechanised Brigade is the Army's 6th deployable brigade and forms part of The 3rd (United Kingdom) Division which is based in Tidworth. (Note to readers: I was born in Tidworth where my late father served as a soldier in the British Army's Royal Army Medical Corps).
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence described a news article as "just speculation", but she repeated comments made by Britain's top military commander last week that the country could send troops to Sudan if they were requested. She said no such request had been made.
Update Aug 1: Yay for Britain! Here is the third report I've seen today saying: "British soldiers on standby to avert humanitarian disaster in Darfur". Report excerpts: "Soldiers of the 12th Mechanised Infantry Brigade, based on Salisbury Plain, are being told that they might have to go to Sudan.
Opposition from Sudan's forces - long suspected of arming and training the Janjaweed - would make the protection of an international aid effort hugely complex. It would mean that most supplies would have to come overground from the Mediterranean via Libya, possibly with forward staging posts in Chad. "It would be a very complicated logistical operation," a senior British Army logistician said. In a force of about 5,000 troops sent from Britain, at least 2,000 would have to be transport, engineering and communications experts.
One option would be to stage an airlift from the Red Sea and the French bases at Djibouti - but any threat of confrontation by Sudan's air force - which has more than 40 Russian and Chinese interceptors and bombers - would rule this out, according to air defence experts.
Meanwhile, African states also held a summit in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, last week to discuss the Darfur crisis. The African Union has sent 80 observers to Darfur, backed up by a protection force of 300 troops. Britain and the European Union have provided logistical and financial support but have so far not got directly involved. This is the first operation of its type by the African Union, and is a test of whether it can become an effective enforcer in the region."
- - -
US SPECIAL FORCES IN SUDAN
Hunting down al-Qa'eda
Aug 1 UK Telegraph report confirms special forces are in Sudan hunting down Saudi Arabian terrorists who have re-established secret al-Qa'eda training camps in remote mountain ranges in the north-eastern quarter of the country.
American forces are hunting a series of groups linked to al-Qa'eda across North Africa. The terrorists, who are thought to take orders from Saudi Arabia's most wanted man, Saleh Awfi, have taken refuge in at least three locations in the Jebel Kurush mountains, which run parallel to the Red Sea coast of Africa's biggest country.
An American Delta Force officer, who recently spent a week in Sudan tracking the terrorists, said the camps are used to train new recruits to wage jihad, or holy war, against the West and its allies. The trainees are instructed how to handle weapons and build and transport bombs.
Special anti-terrorist operations in Sudan and the Horn of Africa are undertaken by marines based in Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.
Note: see previous post here July 21 re new US intelligence HQ in Djibouti.
- - -
FRENCH FLY U.N. AID TO EASTERN CHAD
French soldiers to deliver it to refugees from Darfur
French troops stationed in Chad have been have been mobilised to help secure the border between Chad and Darfur in Sudan. They've flown a plane load of UN aid into eastern Chad where French soldiers prepare to deliver it to refugees from Darfur. I wonder if this connection to the World Food Programme air drops reported to be taking place over three days. I still cannot understand why the French have not helped out sooner when the UN aid agencies were screaming out for helicopters to distribute aid. French soldiers are always in that region with a load of jets and stuff. I wonder if the French are getting paid to do this. See below post on how many hundreds of millions WFP has in its kitty.
- - -
Update: Aug 1: Rwanda is to investigate France's alleged role in the mass killing of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994. The Rwandan government said it was setting up an "independent commission charged with assembling the evidence of France's involvement in the genocide". Paris denies responsibility - although it has admitted supporting Rwanda's former Hutu-led government.
- - -
FACT OF THE DAY
Courtesy Scotsman.com
Today in 1747, the wearing of tartan (US = plaid) was prohibited. The penalty for a first offence was six months' imprisonment and, for a second, seven years' transportation.
ME AND OPHELIA
This is the personal blog of Ingrid Jones.
I live by the sea in Dorset, England, United Kingdom.
Here on my PowerBook G4 I communicate to my friends.
About things in general and my life with M.E. and cat Ophelia.
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And my battle for more energy.
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