Check out this column from the Telegraph on the situation in Sudan (h/t Norman Spector). This is why I have given up on the United Nations and the "International Community". This situation is now on the brink of disaster and all the diplomacy and UN resolutions and sitting down and "negotiating peace agreements" (I'm looking at you Mr. Layton) has done is allowed the Khartoum gov't to regroup and launch what could a final campaign towards their victory. I shudder to think about how many people are going to be murdered in the weeks and months ahead. But there are none of "our boys" to bring back so we will ignore and let it happen. The "International community" has been fully aware about what has been happening in Sudan and whatever the outcome it will be the fault of the UN. I doubt there will be marches in the streets with chants of "Annan dithered, Darfuries slaughtered" though.
...What should have been done? Instead of waiting until last Thursday, a resolution calling for peacekeepers should have been passed in 2004. That was the moment to call for an international force, backed by a robust mandate allowing the protection of civilians. Instead of using Sudan's moment of maximum weakness, the West dithered for two years. Mr Bashir weighed his opponents in the balance and found them wanting. Tragically, the resolution was eventually passed at the hour of his greatest strength – and the people of Darfur are paying the price.
Precisely.
