Wednesday, August 1, 2007

1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

I posted an article yesterday that claimed a force of 26,000 UN troops and police were to be sent in the Darfur region of Sudan. They were given the power to protect, disarm, and what I would consider, "discourage" a government endorsed militia capable of obscene atrocities.

This morning, BBC news reports a watered down version of the original plan. Apparently, the Sudanese government wasn't so keen on yesterday's idea...which should certainly prompt an immediate reluctance among peace keepers. I mean, it's not like the Sudanese government is funding the militia! (note sarcasm)

Another annoyance with today's article occurred when it clarified that the peace keeping force will be made up mostly of "African countries, a move also hoped to appease Sudan's initial antagonism to the force." Can there be a bit more hospitality for these guys?

I'm confused as to what exactly the message is supposed to be..."We're here to stop your rebel Janjaweed, but please let us do it comfortably and on your terms."? They are scheduled to meet Friday...we'll see what other footholds are lost after the weekend.

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