Pocketbook Morality
The tragedy playing out in Darfur is hardly likely to be effected, but President Hu in visiting Sudan is reputed to have encouraged the Sudanese to try harder. From the usual suspects, an 'unidentified official', comes the word that Hu did ask Sudanese President Bashir to bring uncooperative rebel chiefs into the agreement that has been wielded to bring warring factions to stop the killings and devastation. Coming from its major business partner, hopefully, these persuasive words will have some effect.
"China is more fair than the West in dealing with Sudan, and its policy has helped boost both business and peace in the country," Bashir said before the meeting.
Hu said that "although the distance between China and Sudan is great, the friendship between the two people is deeply rooted."
Ahead of Hu's visit, Chinese officials urged Sudan to cooperate in finding a solution in Darfur, in rare public pronouncements given China's traditional refusal to interfere in what it considers other countries' internal affairs.
Hardly fireworks or great cause to celebrate, since China keeps standing in the way of U.N. Security Council action against Sudan for failing to deal with the janjaweed - who continually attack the locals and are obviously intent on driving them out of the country altogether. However, as the source of 2/3 of Sudan business dealings, the Chinese do have the influence needed to persuade Bashir to take action to protect Darfur's residents from the genocide taking place there.
It is encouraging that at least some pressure toward peace for Darfur has been taking place during Hu's visit. It is incumbent on our own government to use its influence to keep pressure on the Sudanese government and the Chinese to bring an end to this international disgrace.
To date, this country has been incomprehensibly indifferent, even after having declared the violence in Darfur truly to constitute genocide. Our administration shows its disregard for decency and humanity in many ways, and this is one of the most remarkable. When we have a functional executive branch again, this will be a huge problem that we must enter into solving. In the meantime, millions are being killed and driven out from Darfur while the world and our government barely give lipservice to ending this tragedy.
"China is more fair than the West in dealing with Sudan, and its policy has helped boost both business and peace in the country," Bashir said before the meeting.
Hu said that "although the distance between China and Sudan is great, the friendship between the two people is deeply rooted."
Ahead of Hu's visit, Chinese officials urged Sudan to cooperate in finding a solution in Darfur, in rare public pronouncements given China's traditional refusal to interfere in what it considers other countries' internal affairs.
Hardly fireworks or great cause to celebrate, since China keeps standing in the way of U.N. Security Council action against Sudan for failing to deal with the janjaweed - who continually attack the locals and are obviously intent on driving them out of the country altogether. However, as the source of 2/3 of Sudan business dealings, the Chinese do have the influence needed to persuade Bashir to take action to protect Darfur's residents from the genocide taking place there.
It is encouraging that at least some pressure toward peace for Darfur has been taking place during Hu's visit. It is incumbent on our own government to use its influence to keep pressure on the Sudanese government and the Chinese to bring an end to this international disgrace.
To date, this country has been incomprehensibly indifferent, even after having declared the violence in Darfur truly to constitute genocide. Our administration shows its disregard for decency and humanity in many ways, and this is one of the most remarkable. When we have a functional executive branch again, this will be a huge problem that we must enter into solving. In the meantime, millions are being killed and driven out from Darfur while the world and our government barely give lipservice to ending this tragedy.
Labels: Foreign Policy
posted by Ruth at 3:28 AM
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