September 15, 2004

More on Darfur...

Our friend China... The USA was urging the United Nations to pass a resolution that would consider U.N. sanctions against Sudan’s oil industry if Khartoum does not stop atrocities in its Darfur region. China is threatening to Veto this. As the article says: bq. A resolution in the 15-member council needs a minimum of nine votes in favor and no veto. A “no” vote from a permanent members -- China, Russia, Britain, France or the United States -- is tantamount to a veto. The money -- follow the money: bq. Sudan began exporting oil in 1999 and China is a key buyer. And what is happening again? bq. U.N. officials estimate 50,000 civilians have died and more than a million uprooted from their homes. bq. “It is a true tragedy, and all the more urgent the need for getting the African Union place, which is the most immediate thing that can be done to help the people of Darfur,” said U.S. Ambassador John Danforth. bq. Rebels began an uprising in Darfur in February 2003 after years of skirmishes between mainly African farmers and Arab nomads over land and water in the arid area the size of France. bq. The Islamic government turned to militia, called Janjaweed and drawn chiefly from the nomadic Arab population, to help suppress the rebels. The Janjaweed are accused of killing, raping and driving African villagers from their homes. Christian and Animist farmers and Arab thugs who want the land and the supposed riches but have zero interest in farming. Let's take a look at Zimbabwe again -- only thing there was that it was a corrupt despot grabbing the power and not a bunch of thugs. There is a big difference -- humanitarian aid needed, one million displaced, etc... Religion of Peace My Ass Posted by DaveH at September 15, 2004 9:58 PM