Kerry op-ed on Sudan in the Boston Herald

[karynnj]

For years, the conflict in Darfur has horrified millions - and defined Sudan for the outside world. The plight of people driven from their homes remains desperate, as I saw for myself when I visited the camps earlier this month. I share the passionate desire of so many to break this pattern of despair.

The visit reinforced my conviction that broad and direct engagement is the best way to promote peace in Darfur and throughout Sudan. We must start by recognizing realities on the ground. The violence of 2003 and 2004 has declined substantially, but the consequences of the genocide remain unresolved. Expanded sanctions and coercive measures against Sudan remain an option. But a new White House has given us a chance to put sustained diplomacy to the test, which strengthens the force and reach of sanctions if diplomacy fails.

U.S. policy has long focused on pressuring Sudan to allow the full deployment of the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission to Darfur. While 16,000 peacekeepers are in place and more are on the way, the global community must ensure that these peacekeepers have the necessary resources.

<snip>

There was cause for hope when President Obama’s special envoy to Sudan, Gen. Scott Gration, persuaded the government to agree to restore much of the lost capacity for humanitarian assistance. But the true test lies in the implementation. As I stressed to senior Sudanese officials, serious gaps in assistance and bureaucratic obstacles that impede delivery of aid must be eliminated. Gration will evaluate the progress next month.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/op_ed/view.bg?articleid=1168306

[wisteria]

1. Thanks for posting. O/T a bit, I suppose Mia Farrow doesn't agree with

Senator Kerry's assessment. I heard she has started a hunger strike to call attention to what is happening in Darfor. Personally, I don't think silly stunts like this hunger strike really draw attention to the seriousness of this situation, but actually have the reverse affect. But, this in my opinion.