While the violence in Iraq reaches a critical mass, similar atrocities are going more or less unnoticed Sudan. The Financial Times reports that "between 100,000 and 400,000 people have died there through famine and slaughter and 2.5m more have fled their homes since 2003." At the White House last week President Bush and Prime Minister Blair discussed Sudan policy. Both seemed at least interested in doing something, tossing around options including sanctions, pushing a no-fly zone over Darfur, backing a strong UN force on the ground, and even air strikes and a naval blockade. However, Bush has dedicated most of his foreign policy work to Iraq, with only a brief mention of Sudan and no concrete actions to back it up.
The politically weakened Bush (who is being rightfully hammered on all sides for the Iraq debacle) seems highly unlikely to do anything the could actually affect the situation on the ground. The Sudanese dictator Al-Bashir has publicly states that as long as they remain bogged down in Iraq, Mr Bashir believes, Mr Bush and Mr Blair are mouthing empty threats. Democrats have a chance to at least affect the direction of debate and help force Bush to seriously put forth an effort to stop the current madness. If the Dems don’t make this a big issue the current policy of lip service will continue.
Politically it is a win-win for the Democrats. The American people (both the left and Bush’s far right) support taking concrete steps to stop the current genocide. The Dems can immediately take a strong and united stance on a foreign policy issue that the public is united on. Even if Bush doesn’t take any relevant steps the Democrats will gain politically. They will be able to show their ability to create strong foreigh policy when united and working together. More importantly, the Dems will be doing what is morally right, and the American people will recognize this.
Or the Democrats could sit idly by as was they did during Rwanda and then make statements that nothing like this could ever happen again. The new Democratic majority has no excuses to not take a strong stance. They must declare that the current situation in Darfur is unsuitable and a new approach by the U.S. and other political powers needs to be taken. It would be disappointing if the Democrats take to fighting over party positions and gossiping about who they will support in 08 instead of doing what the majority of Americans elected them to do, which is make the world a better place.
I propose the Democratic Congress hold a conference to come up with a clear, concise plan, clearly define this plan to the American people, immediately pass corresponding legislation, and then put immense political pressure on President Bush to follow the will of the new majority. After the next military spending bill is passed, we will have spent over $500 billion on Iraq. Surely we can spend a few billion dollars on Sudan, where starvation is rampant and there are 5 times as many refugees than in Iraq. The Dems must not let their horrible past foreign policy decisions along with those of the Bush administration cause them to shy away from taking a strong stance on a critical foreign issue.
Note - Donald Payne,a Democrat congressman, who will soon take over leadership of the House subcommittee on Africa has stated he wants strong action on the Sudan issue.