Considering the fact that this blog is made to analyze a binary issue I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion about what our position should be as a country in reference to the dilemma in Darfur. What makes this issue such a passionate topic is the difference between the opinions from one person to the next. Should we help or shouldn't we help? That is the real question about this binary argument.
I respect each persons opinion on this matter although it is obvious of my opinion over the past month of posting. I should not be biased towards any side of the argument but being the opinionated person that I am I struggle with doing so. There are so many factors to look at before you are really qualified to make your own decision about what you think we should do about these horrors. You need to analyze where our money is being spent, our other responsibilities in foreign countries, what needs to be done in Darfur, how much this would cost, how many troops to send in, the soldiers sacrificing their lives for this cause, and what we want to establish in their country.
I also stress the great importance of thinking of the impact on the people of Darfur. There are millions starving, beaten, weak from all of their suffering. There are some images that need to be seen to provoke the emotion in your own body to understand what they are feeling too...I really urge you to look through the following:
In this picture you will see a victim of the abuse of a child, a citizen of Darfur. You can see the pain and suffering this child is going through while he can do nothing but sit, cry and starve. There is no way for his family to get him food so he slowly will waste away and wither down to almost nothing until his heart stops from not getting food. This child most likely can not be saved, the only thing we can do to save a child like this is to send in troops to help save the people and prevent this from happening again. http://religion.beloblog.com/archives/darfur_child_starving.JPG
In the next picture you will see another child, but this time an infant. You can see the stress this child is under by the expression on his face. He is crying and can not stop. The sight of such a young human being covered in their own blood and filthy from head to foot is almost unbearable. This child survived, with severe burns, a bombing. This helpless youngster has no defense against what his own government is doing to him, his family has almost no defense and faces the threat everyday that they might be taken by the rebel forces, away from their family, and killed. If this current state in Darfur is continued it is likely that this child if not killed will be taken from his family and trained to massacre in the rebel force unit.
http://www.villagevoice.com/blogs/bushbeat/archive/images/Darfur-baby-burnt-bombing-r.jpg
I feel the sentiment that you should be feeling just by seeing three pictures is plenty and enough to demonstrate what the peoples of their region are facing on a daily basis. This last picture shows the results of a raid of the Janjaweed rebel forces. With no warning an attack can happen, burning, bombing, shooting, stealing, raping, murdering. This man witnessed this brutal attack, but did not live to tell the tale. The vicious Janjaweed members have been trained to kill with no remorse and that is exactly what has happened. This man was left to die as he was shot in the face. This man lays there, dead, admist the chaos that is going on around him. This man has been decaying while there are few to recover the remains of a raid with a gaping hole in his left cheek. Witness the atrocity for yourself.
http://www.anarkismo.net/attachments/may2007/wadihour2.jpg
I beg you, for the sake of the people in Darfur, just take the few minutes to read through this blog post and see first hand what they are going through. You should see what crimes and being committed and the results to this tension. Then, I feel, you can judge for yourself what you think the United States, as a nation, should do about this issue.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
How to make everyone happy...
I feel it is generally impossible to make everyone in the world happy. If we dont try and appeal to as many nations as we can we are reprimanded or other nations dont like us. Our job as the world power is hard, harder than they can imagine. Despite the fact that many people say George Bush is not doing an adequate job and I agree, you also have to think he is trying as hard as he can to please everyone. It is impossible to make everyone happy so he works as a leader to represent the United States of America. He represents us and our decisions and I think, in tact with his own Christian republican values, he tries to represent the nation as a whole. As a respublican president he needs to put some guidelines down in order to stahy faifthful to the republican backgroung. But besides that he tries to appeal to the nation as a whole. Imagine the pressure and task to try and please everyone. Because he seems unsure what he wants to do people constantly criticize him and he has become somwhat impopular (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/03/AR2005110301685.html.)
How do you try and make everyone satisfied about foreign policy? Everyone has differing opinions about the role that they want us to play with the rest of the world. This makes is so hard to please everyone and hear people not complain. Regardless, we need to help others a lot, and citizens have to affect that. Foreign affairs help us become the nation we are today. Without our allies and trading partners we could not be as prosperous as we are because of the importation of resources that we dont have. It is important for citizens to be aware of our foreign policy so they can play an active role (http://www.fpa.org/.) Without the help of other countries giving us fuel we would be lost(http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/company_level_imports/current/import.html.). So we do have to keep ourselves involved with other countries for our own well-being.
With Africa we need to help them not only for resources but just out of respect for mankind. They have imported millions to us over the years that has really benefited our economy. But there is so much argument over whether or not it is our obligation to be involved in African affairs, including Darfur. This issue is never going to be solved, there will always be people who disgaree with our role, it will be impossible to please the whole nation. The best approach we can take to our African intervention policy is to try and stop genocide while keeping the majority of our citizens happy.
How do you try and make everyone satisfied about foreign policy? Everyone has differing opinions about the role that they want us to play with the rest of the world. This makes is so hard to please everyone and hear people not complain. Regardless, we need to help others a lot, and citizens have to affect that. Foreign affairs help us become the nation we are today. Without our allies and trading partners we could not be as prosperous as we are because of the importation of resources that we dont have. It is important for citizens to be aware of our foreign policy so they can play an active role (http://www.fpa.org/.) Without the help of other countries giving us fuel we would be lost(http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/company_level_imports/current/import.html.). So we do have to keep ourselves involved with other countries for our own well-being.
With Africa we need to help them not only for resources but just out of respect for mankind. They have imported millions to us over the years that has really benefited our economy. But there is so much argument over whether or not it is our obligation to be involved in African affairs, including Darfur. This issue is never going to be solved, there will always be people who disgaree with our role, it will be impossible to please the whole nation. The best approach we can take to our African intervention policy is to try and stop genocide while keeping the majority of our citizens happy.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Prevention
If we do decide to get ourselves involved with the crisis in Darfur I think that this needs to be better planned out than current foreign affairs. With 61% of adults saying they opposed the Iraq War, an overwhelming amount, public support needs to be certain for this invasion (http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/21/iraq.poll/). The controversy mainly with the Iraq war is that people think that we should have removed troops a long time ago. Majority of citizens believe that we are not making significant progress in the war and helping the country develop as a democracy (http://www.infowars.com/articles/iraq/polls_suggest_majority_oppose_war.htm.) The question is, when was the right time to leave? There is a fine line between unnecessary and beneficial intervention....and I think that we've overstepped those boundaries.
We need to make a more clear goal for this affair going on in Darfur. We need to directly state what our purpose is, what we want to accomplish and when we have sufficiently done our job. The last thing we need is to be wasting money after our goals are already complete. The main task is reinstoring order in their chaotic nation. We should make sure to overthrow the Janjaweed and corrupt government and salvage as many tortured Sudanese citizens as possible. Until our goal is reached money should be set aside and we should look forward to stopping the mass murder of people and one of the most extreme genocides we have seen in decades.
Another factor that would boost public support of intervention would be honesty. It can be said that President Bush has caught himself up in a web of lies(http://www.bushlies.com/.) I feel that most US citizens oppose the Iraq War because they were unclear of our intentions. I honestly dont feel like President Bush himself planned to do what we are doing now. Did anyone think we would still be involved this long after overthrowing Sadam Husein and restoring their country to a self-sufficient democracy? I dont think so. Be more honest with America citizens because I feel much of the frustration with our current overseas affairs is because we feel like we are being deceived. It is our country, our money, and our men and women risking their lives out there. More of a truthful outlook is essential to public support with our foreign affairs.
We need to make a more clear goal for this affair going on in Darfur. We need to directly state what our purpose is, what we want to accomplish and when we have sufficiently done our job. The last thing we need is to be wasting money after our goals are already complete. The main task is reinstoring order in their chaotic nation. We should make sure to overthrow the Janjaweed and corrupt government and salvage as many tortured Sudanese citizens as possible. Until our goal is reached money should be set aside and we should look forward to stopping the mass murder of people and one of the most extreme genocides we have seen in decades.
Another factor that would boost public support of intervention would be honesty. It can be said that President Bush has caught himself up in a web of lies(http://www.bushlies.com/.) I feel that most US citizens oppose the Iraq War because they were unclear of our intentions. I honestly dont feel like President Bush himself planned to do what we are doing now. Did anyone think we would still be involved this long after overthrowing Sadam Husein and restoring their country to a self-sufficient democracy? I dont think so. Be more honest with America citizens because I feel much of the frustration with our current overseas affairs is because we feel like we are being deceived. It is our country, our money, and our men and women risking their lives out there. More of a truthful outlook is essential to public support with our foreign affairs.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Is the US really resented?
Is the U.S really resented? After my last post I got a comment that really got me thinking...Are we really resented by other countries and if so why?
The thing that really gets me wondering about this is, is it truly our responsibility as the world power to aide others? Being bestowed with this role comes great responsibility. We are obligated as the most powerful nation and prosperous to help those less fortunate than us. Many of the third world countries need our assistance and could not survive without us. With their corrupt governments, high rates of poverty, unsanitary living conditions, lack of technology and protective forces someone needs to step in and provide for them. Without our guidance the unfortunate countries might have crushed into shambles. These countries cant provide for themselves and by eliminating these issues is somewhat like preventative work, and can help eliminate issues in the future.
United...we stand strong! It is not just us who does the work but other powerful countries as well. We are not alone to help the hundreds of countries that need it. We are not standing alone on these issues, the other powers of the world need to take action along side of us. Others need to make a force alongside of us to make a difference in these shambling countries.
Resentment for the US has increased especially since the beginning of the war of terrorism. Iraqi resentment of our occupation of their country has sky-rocketed because it has gone on so long (http://www.namibian.com.na/2003/march/national/03C997B88E.html.) This could explain the high number of suicide bombings in cities and rebellions.
A comment on a blog made me put it all into perspective...our population has been exponentially growing and mainly because of immigrants. They are a huge part of the place we live in. We are not resented by all if millions are leaving their homes in other countries to come live in the U.S. Even if they dont like the way we run things here they are coming here because they know there are unlimited opportunities here and most will live a better life coming to our nation. So even if we are resented it is not the point that others will not respect us and know we are the world power. They want to have the opportunities that we have here so they come to be a part of it, regardless if they like the way we do things here or not.
The thing that we should mainly put our focus on to satisfy our citizens is the amount of money we put into foreign affairs. If we do have the responsibility to help others then we just have to monitor our expenses and figure out what is "too much." With the upcoming election next year things can change vastly. Considering the decrease in President Bush's popularity over the duration of his time in office, mainly due to Iraq War policies, the new change in leadership might alter our foreign policy ( http://progressive.org/mag_apb11150) This might cause less resentment towards our country. Although most countries should be greatful of our eagerness to help out mainly the more powerful countries who dont need our help seem to be the ones who envy us. I think this could be due to jealously of of reign over the world and our prosperity and success. The smaller nations receiving our aide temporarily should be grateful to us for helping them survive. This is not always the case, especially in Afghanistan, with our troops dominating their country there has been much resentment which has resulted in suicide bombers(http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2007/03/29/afghanistan-resentment-grows-against-foreign-troops.html.) Although we have done so much for the world sometimes it is not appreciated and misinterpreted as a nationalistic or imperialistic drive.
UPDATED
The thing that really gets me wondering about this is, is it truly our responsibility as the world power to aide others? Being bestowed with this role comes great responsibility. We are obligated as the most powerful nation and prosperous to help those less fortunate than us. Many of the third world countries need our assistance and could not survive without us. With their corrupt governments, high rates of poverty, unsanitary living conditions, lack of technology and protective forces someone needs to step in and provide for them. Without our guidance the unfortunate countries might have crushed into shambles. These countries cant provide for themselves and by eliminating these issues is somewhat like preventative work, and can help eliminate issues in the future.
United...we stand strong! It is not just us who does the work but other powerful countries as well. We are not alone to help the hundreds of countries that need it. We are not standing alone on these issues, the other powers of the world need to take action along side of us. Others need to make a force alongside of us to make a difference in these shambling countries.
Resentment for the US has increased especially since the beginning of the war of terrorism. Iraqi resentment of our occupation of their country has sky-rocketed because it has gone on so long (http://www.namibian.com.na/2003/march/national/03C997B88E.html.) This could explain the high number of suicide bombings in cities and rebellions.
A comment on a blog made me put it all into perspective...our population has been exponentially growing and mainly because of immigrants. They are a huge part of the place we live in. We are not resented by all if millions are leaving their homes in other countries to come live in the U.S. Even if they dont like the way we run things here they are coming here because they know there are unlimited opportunities here and most will live a better life coming to our nation. So even if we are resented it is not the point that others will not respect us and know we are the world power. They want to have the opportunities that we have here so they come to be a part of it, regardless if they like the way we do things here or not.
The thing that we should mainly put our focus on to satisfy our citizens is the amount of money we put into foreign affairs. If we do have the responsibility to help others then we just have to monitor our expenses and figure out what is "too much." With the upcoming election next year things can change vastly. Considering the decrease in President Bush's popularity over the duration of his time in office, mainly due to Iraq War policies, the new change in leadership might alter our foreign policy ( http://progressive.org/mag_apb11150) This might cause less resentment towards our country. Although most countries should be greatful of our eagerness to help out mainly the more powerful countries who dont need our help seem to be the ones who envy us. I think this could be due to jealously of of reign over the world and our prosperity and success. The smaller nations receiving our aide temporarily should be grateful to us for helping them survive. This is not always the case, especially in Afghanistan, with our troops dominating their country there has been much resentment which has resulted in suicide bombers(http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2007/03/29/afghanistan-resentment-grows-against-foreign-troops.html.) Although we have done so much for the world sometimes it is not appreciated and misinterpreted as a nationalistic or imperialistic drive.
UPDATED
Sunday, October 21, 2007
When is it crossing the line?
Many countries look at the US as arrogant. Do you ever think why this is? We tend to butt into everyone else's business, even when we arent welcome. When is it too far? There are so many questions that can be taken into account. Comments on one of my recent posts made me ponder about this...
You can look at this issue interrogatively. How do we decide which countries need help? How much aide should we send them? Which countries take precedence over the other? When is it out of our hands and into their own?...Do we really know the right answers to this? No. And, Personally, I believe this is why we are resented by some foreigners.
So many of these questions are up for interpretation. Just because President Bush thinks that something is right does that mean it is? Millions think that the Iraq War has been long overdrawn, but you need to ask when were we really supposed to pull out? Foreign policy is a very complicated thing, you have to deal with allies and enemies and rules and treaties.
Currently, there is a lot of debate on the Iraq War. Now being 6 years since the aftermath of the September 11th attacks people question if it has been too long. The tension in the debate is being fed by the media who keeps on bringing up these issues by trying to inform the public in ways to outrage them and get feedback. The Media has had a great impact on this most recent war. The government has to work alongside of it. (http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3012)
All of these questions raised, and hundreds more have to be brainstormed when the government deals with international relations, its a complicated matter. We need to set a guideline and plans for what we intend to do there. We have already planned on making a protest against them economically but this isnt going to do the job (http://www.smallgovtimes.com/story/07feb07.sanctions.sudan.darfur/. ) Military action needs to be taken as well. Just in the few years this issue has been circulated through the media and has arised to be the problem it is today we sent $5 million just by 2005. This number is negligent when you think of the amount we are spending in Iraq even by the month. We need to start being more careful where we spend our money.
UPDATED
You can look at this issue interrogatively. How do we decide which countries need help? How much aide should we send them? Which countries take precedence over the other? When is it out of our hands and into their own?...Do we really know the right answers to this? No. And, Personally, I believe this is why we are resented by some foreigners.
So many of these questions are up for interpretation. Just because President Bush thinks that something is right does that mean it is? Millions think that the Iraq War has been long overdrawn, but you need to ask when were we really supposed to pull out? Foreign policy is a very complicated thing, you have to deal with allies and enemies and rules and treaties.
Currently, there is a lot of debate on the Iraq War. Now being 6 years since the aftermath of the September 11th attacks people question if it has been too long. The tension in the debate is being fed by the media who keeps on bringing up these issues by trying to inform the public in ways to outrage them and get feedback. The Media has had a great impact on this most recent war. The government has to work alongside of it. (http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3012)
All of these questions raised, and hundreds more have to be brainstormed when the government deals with international relations, its a complicated matter. We need to set a guideline and plans for what we intend to do there. We have already planned on making a protest against them economically but this isnt going to do the job (http://www.smallgovtimes.com/story/07feb07.sanctions.sudan.darfur/. ) Military action needs to be taken as well. Just in the few years this issue has been circulated through the media and has arised to be the problem it is today we sent $5 million just by 2005. This number is negligent when you think of the amount we are spending in Iraq even by the month. We need to start being more careful where we spend our money.
UPDATED
Friday, October 19, 2007
Against the binary issue...
The purpose of this blog is mainly to discuss the binary issue with the genocide in Darfur. I find it so hard not to be biased towards this dilemma. I generally feel that any remotely compassionate human being should have sympathy for these people and want to help. The main issue this site faces is whether or not the US should help. Some believe that just have a economic incentive to help this country because they are not providing their abundant oil resources to us (http://www.engdahl.oilgeopolitics.net/Geopolitics___Eurasia/Oil_in_Africa/oil_in_africa.html.) Others argue that we can not just sit around while millions are being moved out of their homes or murdered. But I feel you must look into other nations helping as well...not just the US.
I feel as the world power we do have an obligation to aide this unfortunate region. But, also I do feel that the responsibility should not only be in our hands. This is part of the reason why President Bush is refusing to go into Darfur alone ( http://coalitionfordarfur.blogspot.com/2007/07/darfur-us-wont-send-troops-alone-says.html.) Other countries should have this obligation as well as us. Most nations, with certain circumstances, have enough money to give to this cause instead of wasting it on more materialistic values. Of course, there are countries that can not participate because they need to be concerned with their own well-being. Other impoverished nations or third world, non-industrialized regions need to center their focus into surviving themselves. These countries are underdeveloped and need our help so we can not expect them to provide help to others (http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/General/ThirdWorld_def.html.) I dont think that it is fair to expect them to contribute to the aide, as they need help themselves. But I am confused as to why people could argue that we dont have an obligation to end the atrocities going on in areas like Darfur and Rwanda. I see this argument as cold-hearted but maybe you can enlighten me with your opinions...
UPDATED
I feel as the world power we do have an obligation to aide this unfortunate region. But, also I do feel that the responsibility should not only be in our hands. This is part of the reason why President Bush is refusing to go into Darfur alone ( http://coalitionfordarfur.blogspot.com/2007/07/darfur-us-wont-send-troops-alone-says.html.) Other countries should have this obligation as well as us. Most nations, with certain circumstances, have enough money to give to this cause instead of wasting it on more materialistic values. Of course, there are countries that can not participate because they need to be concerned with their own well-being. Other impoverished nations or third world, non-industrialized regions need to center their focus into surviving themselves. These countries are underdeveloped and need our help so we can not expect them to provide help to others (http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/General/ThirdWorld_def.html.) I dont think that it is fair to expect them to contribute to the aide, as they need help themselves. But I am confused as to why people could argue that we dont have an obligation to end the atrocities going on in areas like Darfur and Rwanda. I see this argument as cold-hearted but maybe you can enlighten me with your opinions...
UPDATED
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Real Issue
The binary issue relating to the genocide occuring in Darfur is whether or not US should intervene. Their is much skepticism on the topic and arguments of whether it is our place or if we should be spending money on this issue. 67% of Americans feel that action needs to be taken to protect these people (http://www.globescan.com/news_archives/GS_PIPA_Darfur.html ) although only 58% believe that our nation needs to send troops to Darfur. (http://www.americans-world.org/digest/regional_issues/africa/africa4.cfm). We feel the need to act as humanitarians to fix the horrors of the world. The world is saddened when we see that 2.5 million people have been run out of their homes to dodge the destructive force of the Janjaweed. We need to help the millions who saw their homes get burned and pillaged while their families and neighbors were brutally murdered in front of them. Darfur has been officially declared a genocide with over 200,000 being killed over the past 3 years, this is why action needs to be taken now; the more time we wait the more people die. (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/sudan/).
President Bush is really urging the government to send aid into the Sudan. But the real question is, why is the Bush Administration pushing the issue? Do we really care about the helpless citizens of this country being killed and moved out of their homes, or does it have to do with our own well-being? Some people say it is on an imperialistic standpoint why we want to intervene. Since the issue in Darfur has blown up over the past 3 years their oil output has significantly decreased (http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=13865.) Do we just want to help them because they are a factor to our economy? Also, it is said we are concerned that China has been the main recipient of their oil reserves, and we dont them to surpass us in any way being that they are also one of the great world powers. (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/sudn-m10.shtml.) We really need to evaluate why we are going to help this country, is it for a more abundant source of their resources or is it because we truly are outraged by the atrocities going on in their country?
The Bush Administration has to be very careful and precise with the decisions they make pertaining to aiding the Sudan. Overseas affairs is always a tense topic because some think that it is not our place to intervene with other countries business. The Bush Administration has already taken so much heat with certain subjects in the Iraq War and they are not supported by majority of their own citizens. 56% of US citizens think that the Iraq War "wasn't worth it" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14266-2004Dec20.html.) Most citizens are outraged at the unnecessarily long duration of time we have been in Iraq and the amount of casualties in our troops. American support was lost over time as casualties kept adding up (http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1121/p01s02-usfp.html.) With Economists sayng that this war is going to top $2 trillion dollars that also made citizens aware of how expensive this war has been and how far into debt this war can put us (http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/01/08/economists_say_cost_of_war_could_top_2_trillion/.) The Bush Administration needs to prove to the people that another Iraq is not going to happen; people are worried of falling even further into debt and losing even more of our troops. The costs of the project in Darfur is estimated to cost $2 billion the first year alone, so people might need to be convinced that it will be worth it (http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/sudan/darfur.html.)
Although the UN has done a lot by sending in troops and giving so much aid to refugees it isnt enough. The UN's relief organizations have provided over half a million refugees with food, and nearly a million with shelter material and blankets. (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_key_facts.asp.) They have done an adequate job of treating the people who have already been harmed but they need to do more preventative work. Recently, the UN Seucurity council agreed to send 20,000 troops into Darfur to accompany the miniscule 7,000 troops previously fighting there. This is a drastic improvement and hopefully will help keep peace in this torn region (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2007/aug2007/darf-a07.shtml.) More troops are needed and other countries need to help too. Other nations are starting to recognize this, and England, whos initial aid grant in 2004 was $65 million, has been urging other countries to help as well (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_brit_law_urge.asp.) It is estimated that if we get involved, the first year will cost us up to $2 billion. African countries alone can only do so much. The neighboring nation of Chad is accepting Darfurian refugees that are fleeing from the corrupt nation. Is is estimated that more than 200,000 have fled Darfur across the border into Chad (http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2004/08/10/chad_struggles_with_growing_stream_of_refugees/?page=2.) But this weak country can only do so much and is beginning to struggle with the masses fleeing over the border. Their far from plentiful amount of resources is not enough to cover the masses escaping the horrors of their neighboring Sudanese country. The country is experiencing water shortages, food shortages, and unsanitary conditions which cause 200 people to die everyday in their refugee camps (http://www.redcross.int/EN/mag/magazine2005_2/22-23.html). Chad is also getting attacked around the borders by the Janjaweed. They are not only attacking the camps and the people but stealing the little resources and cattle and other animals( http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/chad0206/3.htm.) Another fear that is betowed in all of the people near the issue is that the Janjaweed has even gone far enough that they have even kidnapped the humanitarian staff (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_su_acc_reb_kn.asp.) It has gotten to the point where it is dangerous for not only the people of Darfur but the citizens of nearby countries. Not only are refugee camps being attacked by the Janjaweed of Darfur but by Chadian people as wells. Tribes do not want to deal with the chaos these people are bringing to their country. The refugees are in danger not only from the Janjaweed but from the citizens of the country they are seeking protection in (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/16/africa/AF-GEN-Chad-Darfur-Refugees.php.) Another issue the refugees are confronted with is that most are scarred from the evils that they witnessed in their country. Most are psychologically unstable and need psychiatric help. The problem is there is little staff that can help them in the camps, the severe cases have to be sent to Doctors without Borders because they have no one else to help them deal with what they saw and experienced (http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-05/2006-05-29-voa19.cfm?CFID=204946948&CFTOKEN=34935885.)
Something needs to be done to resolve all of these issues.
Want more information on this topic? Go to http://news.yahoo.com/fc/World/Sudan or the main website, http://www.savedarfur.org/content.
President Bush is really urging the government to send aid into the Sudan. But the real question is, why is the Bush Administration pushing the issue? Do we really care about the helpless citizens of this country being killed and moved out of their homes, or does it have to do with our own well-being? Some people say it is on an imperialistic standpoint why we want to intervene. Since the issue in Darfur has blown up over the past 3 years their oil output has significantly decreased (http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=13865.) Do we just want to help them because they are a factor to our economy? Also, it is said we are concerned that China has been the main recipient of their oil reserves, and we dont them to surpass us in any way being that they are also one of the great world powers. (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/sudn-m10.shtml.) We really need to evaluate why we are going to help this country, is it for a more abundant source of their resources or is it because we truly are outraged by the atrocities going on in their country?
The Bush Administration has to be very careful and precise with the decisions they make pertaining to aiding the Sudan. Overseas affairs is always a tense topic because some think that it is not our place to intervene with other countries business. The Bush Administration has already taken so much heat with certain subjects in the Iraq War and they are not supported by majority of their own citizens. 56% of US citizens think that the Iraq War "wasn't worth it" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14266-2004Dec20.html.) Most citizens are outraged at the unnecessarily long duration of time we have been in Iraq and the amount of casualties in our troops. American support was lost over time as casualties kept adding up (http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1121/p01s02-usfp.html.) With Economists sayng that this war is going to top $2 trillion dollars that also made citizens aware of how expensive this war has been and how far into debt this war can put us (http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/01/08/economists_say_cost_of_war_could_top_2_trillion/.) The Bush Administration needs to prove to the people that another Iraq is not going to happen; people are worried of falling even further into debt and losing even more of our troops. The costs of the project in Darfur is estimated to cost $2 billion the first year alone, so people might need to be convinced that it will be worth it (http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/sudan/darfur.html.)
Although the UN has done a lot by sending in troops and giving so much aid to refugees it isnt enough. The UN's relief organizations have provided over half a million refugees with food, and nearly a million with shelter material and blankets. (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_key_facts.asp.) They have done an adequate job of treating the people who have already been harmed but they need to do more preventative work. Recently, the UN Seucurity council agreed to send 20,000 troops into Darfur to accompany the miniscule 7,000 troops previously fighting there. This is a drastic improvement and hopefully will help keep peace in this torn region (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2007/aug2007/darf-a07.shtml.) More troops are needed and other countries need to help too. Other nations are starting to recognize this, and England, whos initial aid grant in 2004 was $65 million, has been urging other countries to help as well (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_brit_law_urge.asp.) It is estimated that if we get involved, the first year will cost us up to $2 billion. African countries alone can only do so much. The neighboring nation of Chad is accepting Darfurian refugees that are fleeing from the corrupt nation. Is is estimated that more than 200,000 have fled Darfur across the border into Chad (http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2004/08/10/chad_struggles_with_growing_stream_of_refugees/?page=2.) But this weak country can only do so much and is beginning to struggle with the masses fleeing over the border. Their far from plentiful amount of resources is not enough to cover the masses escaping the horrors of their neighboring Sudanese country. The country is experiencing water shortages, food shortages, and unsanitary conditions which cause 200 people to die everyday in their refugee camps (http://www.redcross.int/EN/mag/magazine2005_2/22-23.html). Chad is also getting attacked around the borders by the Janjaweed. They are not only attacking the camps and the people but stealing the little resources and cattle and other animals( http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/chad0206/3.htm.) Another fear that is betowed in all of the people near the issue is that the Janjaweed has even gone far enough that they have even kidnapped the humanitarian staff (http://darfurinformation.com/hc_su_acc_reb_kn.asp.) It has gotten to the point where it is dangerous for not only the people of Darfur but the citizens of nearby countries. Not only are refugee camps being attacked by the Janjaweed of Darfur but by Chadian people as wells. Tribes do not want to deal with the chaos these people are bringing to their country. The refugees are in danger not only from the Janjaweed but from the citizens of the country they are seeking protection in (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/16/africa/AF-GEN-Chad-Darfur-Refugees.php.) Another issue the refugees are confronted with is that most are scarred from the evils that they witnessed in their country. Most are psychologically unstable and need psychiatric help. The problem is there is little staff that can help them in the camps, the severe cases have to be sent to Doctors without Borders because they have no one else to help them deal with what they saw and experienced (http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-05/2006-05-29-voa19.cfm?CFID=204946948&CFTOKEN=34935885.)
Something needs to be done to resolve all of these issues.
Want more information on this topic? Go to http://news.yahoo.com/fc/World/Sudan or the main website, http://www.savedarfur.org/content.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The other side to the story
There is another way to look at this situation...as the comments to my last blog post argue that it is not our job to save every other nation. I may not agree with this side but it is crucial to be aware of all opinions and views in an argument. Opposers to over-seas involvement say that although we are the most powerful country in the world it is not our place to always intervene in other people's business. This is part of the reason why a lot of other nations do not like us. We are busy-bodies and always have to stick our noses in other nation's affairs. This is not always our place to do so. Some countries and groups have to do certain things on their own because this is how you grow, through experience. We have started from scratch, completely on our own and got to the point we are today with little help from other nations. Some countries are helpless and so weak but through the struggle it will only gain character and make them stronger. The third world countries, listed in the following link, need help to become more self-sufficient and get on a better path (http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm.)
It can be argued that the U.S. is wasting millions each month on over-seas affairs. It is estimated that we are spending up to $5 million a month on Iraq alone each month according to the Department of Defense (http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0519/p01s03-usmi.html) We are also spending millions on other nations including Afghanistan monthly. It is argued that this is wasteful and we can be spending our money in many other places. We are a very prosperous nation but we are pushing ourself into debt by spending this much money, we are currently over $9 billion in debt (http://brillig.com/debt_clock/.) We need to start being more smart with how and where we spend our money. We also need to be concerned with ourselves and our own problems before trying to aid the rest of the world.
UPDATED
It can be argued that the U.S. is wasting millions each month on over-seas affairs. It is estimated that we are spending up to $5 million a month on Iraq alone each month according to the Department of Defense (http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0519/p01s03-usmi.html) We are also spending millions on other nations including Afghanistan monthly. It is argued that this is wasteful and we can be spending our money in many other places. We are a very prosperous nation but we are pushing ourself into debt by spending this much money, we are currently over $9 billion in debt (http://brillig.com/debt_clock/.) We need to start being more smart with how and where we spend our money. We also need to be concerned with ourselves and our own problems before trying to aid the rest of the world.
UPDATED
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Should the US intervene?
The true debate about the crisis in the Sudan is whether or not it is our moral obligation to intervene. Should we sit back while millions of people and being forced out of their homes and hundreds of thousands have been brutally murdered? Or should we be concerned for our own well-being, considering the fact that thousands of soldiers have been killed since troops have been issued to enter central Africa?
I am standing by the Sudanese people. I think that it is our moral obligation to aid other human beings who are suffering. The only action we have taken so far has been to back up the African troops being sent into Darfur with money and it is unclear if we have an intention to send our own troops in (http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1109/p06s01-woaf.html.) The people of Darfur have no means of protection, the government should be the force to protect their citizens. The Darfurian government has not done an adequate job to defend their people, they are actually aiding the Janjaweed who are the ones who are responsible for this massacre. Someone needs to put their hand out to this helpless people who dont have the means to rebel. They are denied of any means of communication, education, or weapons. They are left completely vulnerable, with no hope in overpowering their government. As more rich, powerful, and advanced nations the pressure is on us to defeat the atrocities against these people. Bush declared that we will not enter Darfur alone, other countries must do the same (http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/US-wont-send-troops-to-Darfur-alone/2007/07/20/1184559989476.html.) The media is even trying to make it seem like there is no need for non-African troops needed in this country but there has not been a force that has came close to stopping this genocide for the past 4 years it has been occurring (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/08/14/Darfur.peacekeepers.reut/index.html?eref=rss_world.) Although we might be alone in this matter I think we need to stand up and fight!
UPDATED
I am standing by the Sudanese people. I think that it is our moral obligation to aid other human beings who are suffering. The only action we have taken so far has been to back up the African troops being sent into Darfur with money and it is unclear if we have an intention to send our own troops in (http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1109/p06s01-woaf.html.) The people of Darfur have no means of protection, the government should be the force to protect their citizens. The Darfurian government has not done an adequate job to defend their people, they are actually aiding the Janjaweed who are the ones who are responsible for this massacre. Someone needs to put their hand out to this helpless people who dont have the means to rebel. They are denied of any means of communication, education, or weapons. They are left completely vulnerable, with no hope in overpowering their government. As more rich, powerful, and advanced nations the pressure is on us to defeat the atrocities against these people. Bush declared that we will not enter Darfur alone, other countries must do the same (http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/US-wont-send-troops-to-Darfur-alone/2007/07/20/1184559989476.html.) The media is even trying to make it seem like there is no need for non-African troops needed in this country but there has not been a force that has came close to stopping this genocide for the past 4 years it has been occurring (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/08/14/Darfur.peacekeepers.reut/index.html?eref=rss_world.) Although we might be alone in this matter I think we need to stand up and fight!
UPDATED
Sunday, October 7, 2007
About this blog...
This blog is to discuss and debate the issues occuring in the Sudanese region, Darfur. In order to debate about this conflict it is only fair to have a basic understanding of the problem. Darfur has been experiencing tension between its black Africans and Arabian peoples for quite some time now, but only in recent years has there been revolts. The crisis arose after the black Africans felt oppressed because the government sided with the Arab group, the janjaweed. This friction inflamed when justice and equality rebel groups, the SLA and JEM, revolted against the government due to the injustices against their people.
The janjaweed feels it is their obligation to "cleanse" the Sudan of Black Africans. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/31822.htm.) They go into villages pillaging, burning, and killing and/or raping the inhabitants. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm)The goverment denies refuses to admit funding or a support for this group although it is commonly known that they do. This corrupt government is accepting that its people are being murdered and displaced in mass numbers adding more misfortune to the already distressed nation. The government already was insufficient in their role to advise their nation watched it fall to shambles due to desertification, poverty and overpopulation. Something needs to be done, either internally or externally, to stop this crisis. We have now officially declared this situation a 'genocide' so we have recognized but failed to act (http://www.darfurgenocide.org/learn.php.)
UPDATED
The janjaweed feels it is their obligation to "cleanse" the Sudan of Black Africans. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/31822.htm.) They go into villages pillaging, burning, and killing and/or raping the inhabitants. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm)The goverment denies refuses to admit funding or a support for this group although it is commonly known that they do. This corrupt government is accepting that its people are being murdered and displaced in mass numbers adding more misfortune to the already distressed nation. The government already was insufficient in their role to advise their nation watched it fall to shambles due to desertification, poverty and overpopulation. Something needs to be done, either internally or externally, to stop this crisis. We have now officially declared this situation a 'genocide' so we have recognized but failed to act (http://www.darfurgenocide.org/learn.php.)
UPDATED
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