A Silent Massacre: Sudan Seeks the Front Page
With the world's gaze focused on Iraq, Darfur has had little attention. However, in recent months, a growing number of people are insisting that action be taken. How should the U.S. government respond? Emil Nagengast, associate professor of politics, sits down and shares his thoughts on a plan of action.
Question
Some people argue that the United States shouldn't get involved with the situation in Darfur because we can't "police the world." What do you think?
Answer
I would say we absolutely cannot intervene militarily in Sudan because we have seen the global reaction to policy in Iraq. If we try to go into Sudan, no matter how noble our intentions, the world will be convinced that we are trying to be an imperial power.
Q
Bands such as Switchfoot are holding concerts to benefit Darfur, and actors have appeared in front of the UN appealing for Darfur. What else must be done?
A
The only thing that can be done is raise the level of international condemnation of Sudan. Make it clear so that the entire world would condemn what is going on. We could use economic sanctions, but that would require approval through UN sanctions, but China is in an energy trade with Sudan and would never vote in favor.
Q
Why do you think the genocide in Darfur has been getting little press coverage?
A
Probably because of Iraq. If Iraq hadn't been in the limelight, Darfur would be front-page news. People also have a definition of Africa, and they think that these things normally happen in Africa, so it's nothing new.
Q
How do you think the US can help those in Darfur? Do you think the Sudanese government will accept our help?
A
No. There is absolutely nothing that the US can do to help this crisis, short of military action.
Q
How can Juniata students better understand the situation in Darfur?
A
I want them to understand that it is an impossibly difficult crisis. You can't just look around the world, see suffering, and correct it. The only solution to this crisis is military action, but the people that are most against military action, are the first to want help for the world. Ultimately, our invasion of Iraq created so much anti-American propaganda, that it is virtually impossible to invade Darfur and help.
- Christopher Bender '10, Student Reporter