President Obama,
I know you have a lot on your plate, but the people of Darfur have been waiting, for what seems like an eternity, for leadership and commitment.
President Obama on Darfur
Vice President Biden on Darfur
Vice President Biden said in October of last year that if America creates a now fly zone in Sudan, then the Janjaweed could be out of the air "by tomorrow". So what is stopping Obama from taking immediate action?
U.N. Representative Susan Rice is probably planning to end the genocide as I write this diary, but if we can get all of the Janjaweed out of the air by tomorrow, shouldn't we do it NOW? Air strikes in Sudan recently claimed the lives of Darfurians and U.N. workers. It is time to stop the suffering, the rape, the injustice, the killing.
The international community is finally taking long overdue action, as the International Criminal Court is issuing an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al Bashir. Criminals and thugs like President Omar al Bashir and President Robert Mugabe have suppressed human rights and democracy long enough. It is time for America to act as a beacon of hope once again.
The people in the nations of Sudan, Congo, Zimbabwe and others are waiting for you, President Obama. This is what was posted at This Is Zimbabwe right after your Novemeber 20th inauguration. It was posted as the world huddled together and watched with a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
Tears came to my eyes when Obama mentioned in his speech, the countries struggling around the world. At one point he mentioned those who used ‘the fist’ to control and hang on to power.
"He’s talking about Bob, isn’t he....?" said a young relative excitedly "He’s talking about Zimbabwe."
These people are counting on you to create a better world for them and their families. Talk is cheap, Mr. President, and I hope that you take steps to Save Darfur and help those around the world who suffer human rights abuses every single day. U.N. Representative Susan Rice is eager and willing to stop an "ongoing genocide" after witnessing the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda unfold. The people of Darfur, Sudan and Zimbabwe have been paid lip service before. President Bush mentioned them and did nothing. Now you have the chance to change course, and I hope you do.
The U.N. Dispatch reports...
Susan Rice, the new United States ambassador to the United Nations, once aptly described the previous administration's Darfur policy as "bluster and retreat," "bluster" for the lip service paid to the issue, and "retreat" for never following up its tough rhetoric with meaningful political, diplomatic, or even military action.
Calling the situation in Darfur an "ongoing genocide" is important, but President Clinton said "Never Again" after Rwanda but remained silent about Darfur for years.
We do not need rhetoric, we need action. Just because the media does not focus on Darfur, or Climate Change for that matter, does not prevent you from doing what is morally right.
We have waited years, and the people of Darfur have waited an eternity. Will genocide happen on your watch, or will the long wait be over?