IN THE NEWS: Darfur Action

Darfur action

Following Dan Simpson's column "Dealing With Darfur" (July 25) very encouraging news was announced by the United Nations on July 31. The council agreed to deploy a new hybrid U.N.-African Union force of 26,000 peacekeepers/police, which will be allowed to "defend civilians and aid workers from any attack" and "use necessary action" in an effort to maintain stability.

I believe grass-roots organizations have made a difference in initiating political action. As the genocide in Darfur begins to eclipse a number that equals the entire population of Pittsburgh, we must now see the U.N. resolution through to fruition. It is critical that full deployment be kept on pace, hence the Bush administration must support adequate funding for the hybrid force. We must encourage a nonmilitary settlement by facilitating an effective united Darfurian negotiating front. And China needs to be continuously engaged.

Mr. Simpson is skeptical that the Chinese can be embarrassed into action by leveraging the 2008 Olympic Games, but one must use all possible pressure, so as to eventually be "the straw that breaks the camel's back."

Finally, encouraging U.S. support for holding the Sudanese internationally accountable by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and genocide could yield strong internal pressure and deterrence within Sudan. Wouldn't you want those responsible for the killing of all our city residents to be held responsible?

The current U.N. resolution demonstrates that the voices of many common citizens of the Earth joined together can make a difference; please continue to add your voices to that chorus.

TONY BAUER

McCandless