"Silence was Killing"

The words of new French President Nicolas Sarkozy, speaking at an international conference in France this week on ending the violence in Darfur. Just 5 weeks into his Presidency, Sarkozy's government seems to be spear-heading a new push to resolve the ongoing conflict. Go Sark! Interestingly, the Sudan government was absent from the talks - they weren't invited; and African Union (AU) delegates, boycotted stating the French efforts were counter to their own. Condoleeza Rice was in attendance, and stated, "The world had failed the people of Darfur." Indeed. This "failure" that Rice speaks of should be our challenge, our drive, our reason for action. Laudably, last week the government of Sudan agreed to a joint UN-AU peacekeeping force, but, true to form, the actualization of these measures is dragging. The government of Sudan's Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, states, "Actually, the ball is in the UN's court [referencing the implementation of a peacekeeping force]". My reactions:

1. Well done France (and the other 18 nations and delegations in attendance).
2. Prove Condoleeza wrong; take up the challenge
3. AU - give me a break, stop politicking and engage in peacekeeping. Do your job.
4. The various players (western nations, gov of Sudan, AU, UN, Darfur rebel groups)
must coordinate efforts to cut through the paralysis of policy.