For years now, the world has sat by and watched while the Sudanese Government sponsored militia, the Janjaweed raped, killed and butchered adult men, and equally despicably, did the same to women and children. There has been a lot of talk, a lot of discussion and some pressure on Sudan, but not any action. China is partly to blame, since it has oil and economic interests in Sudan, and did not want these interests to get affected by any action against Sudan.
Well, it seems like there has been a better agreement between the parties at the United Nations, including China, since the United Nations has got off its ass and approved using force to protect civilians. The resolution authorizes a total of 26,000 troops (19,555 army and 6432 police force) in a combined UN – African Union force to protect the people of Darfur. Even in this resolution, the UN force cannot seize illegal weapons, they can only use force in self-defense, or to protect supplies and civilians. However, the resolution does not mention as to what the United Nations will do if Sudan refuses to let the UN peacekeepers in. Earlier sanctions were to be planned for such an eventuality, but China got that part watered down.

continue reading "Sending forces to Darfur, too little too later"