President's Radio Series

Current Events: What we really should be paying attention to

In 2004 the UN declared the World's worst Humanitarian Crisis; in which country was this?

This country has 2 million refugees, roughly one third of its population.  In the wars with the rebels upwards of 350,000 people have died, 6% of the population.  There have been widespread allegations of genocide and war crimes.  One hint its in Africa.

If you haven't guessed i am talking about Sudan and the Darfur conflict. 

If you do not know why this conflict is happening, or what has happened, don't worry you are like most Americans.  Since the beginning of the conflict in 2003 there has been little media coverage due to the continuing war on terrorism and Iraq where 2,000 precious American lives have been lost.  For those that do not know, the conflict started when rebels started attacking government targets to draw attention to the needs of the Darfur region.  This worked.  Government backed militias and rebels have fought, massacring whole villages, and "cleansing" many black communities.  The conflict becomes very complex when one finds that the conflict is not only between the government and the rebels, but also between the nomadic Arabs and the African farming tribes.  There have also been allegations that the main perpetrator of the war crimes and "cleansing", the Janjaweed militia, are government backed. 

In recent months there have been many interesting developments, mainly allegations of sexual assault and rape against the 7,000 African Union troops stationed to protect the 2 million refugees.  The African Union is a group of African countries committed to "African solutions for African problems."  An interesting dichotomy has developed between the AU and the Sudanese government.  The more the AU commanders say that they cannot effect any change or protect the millions of refugees the more the government states the AU force is doing a good job.

These statements in favor of the AU have also come at a time when the UN has decided that it may be time for them to take over the peacekeeping mission.  The recent blockade of a top UN humanitarian official from entering both Sudan and Chad- where not only 200,000 refugees have fled to, but where rebels have started basing raids out of- has led many to believe that the Sudanese government is trying to hide their deteriorating state of their control, and the widespread misappropriation of aid.  UN humanitarian officials on the ground have complained about a breakdown in order, and the security of the bases which dispense aid.

While the government supports the AU peacekeeping force the rebels have called for the UN to intervene.  This has been met by the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's statement that Sudan will become "a graveyard for foreign intervention" if the UN takes control.  This interesting line of events makes one think that the UN must quickly intervene or else things will become much worse.

The commanders of the AU force have stated that they believe they are useless in this situation.  It is time for the UN and western nations to take a stand and help Africa.  The west has no real vested interest in Sudan, and therefore no reason to help, except the cause of humanity, which seems these days to be worth risking few lives for, unlike terrorism and protecting our own asses.  If this is allowed to go any further it is no ones fault but our own, we must stop it or face the consequence; the consequence of conscience, if we still have one.

All Information from BBCNews.com,  Written by William H. Gammell

Current Events: Kadima and Hamas, What can the future hold?

  As an optimist I like to believe that a new party, and a fresh start presents a possibility for change for all involved.  In Palestine and Israel two political parties have recently come to power.  Hamas and the recently created Kadima.  Hamas' rhetoric does not admit the existence of a Jewish state; causing problems for any kind of compromise that the future may hold.  The Kadima party, the brainchild of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, is based on the promise that the borders of Israel will be set by 2010.  The interests of these two parties are in such strong opposition that it seems one will not survive.

I believe that this is not the case; Israel is here to stay, and Palestine will continue.  There are signs that these two wildly opposing parties may possibly find a solution.  A recent letter to the UN from the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Palestine states that they wish to find a peaceful and secure solution through which Palestine and its neighbors may exist.  This does not formerly change their declaration on the non-existence of Israel, yet does signal a possibility that they are willing to work with Israel; as they must to survive.

Hamas was elected to effect change in the system.  I believe that Israel and the West's reaction to the election of Hamas; the withdrawal of monetary support, and condemnation of the election, have hurt Israel more then they would like to think.  The revoking of essential funds from the Palestinian Authority caused them to seek out alternative forms of support.  The first country to offer support was that of Iran, not the country that i believe Israel wants holding the hand of Palestine; a hand out can quickly become a twisted arm.  Israel must except the will of the Palestinian people and work with Hamas, however despicable and terroristic they may find them.  With legitimacy comes moderation; now that Hamas must represent all of Palestine they cannot be as belligerent and militaristic as in the past.  It is their elected duty to find a way for Palestine and Israel to coexist; this or they have failed those who have elected them. 

It is in Israel's best interest to work with Hamas; to at least give them a chance to govern their people.  Recently an Israeli response to rockets fired from a field in Palestine was to fire rockets back into this field, perfectly acceptable, yet they continued, and fired rockets into the Palestinian Authority's compound.  How does this help the Palestinian government control the people who are firing these rockets? I believe that Israel has a right, and a duty, to protect its citizens from this madness.  How can the Palestinian Authority control its people if every time they lash out Israel destroys the Authorities power and infrastructure.  However terrible it may seem, why not see if the Palestinians maybe want to rid themselves of these terrorists, and get down to business.

Palestine and Hamas deserve a chance to work things out.  With the Kadima manifesto's core value of territorial compromise, i believe that a solution is possible.  It is in Israel's best interest to work with the Palestinian Authority; if after adequate time they are still unable to control these horrendous attacks then Israel must protect its citizens.  Just give it a chance, and try to find a way, however long and difficult the road may be the destination is better then the present place we stand at.

All Information from BBCNews.com, Written by William H. Gammell

President's Radio Show

Colleges President, Mark D. Gearan is regularly seen and heard out and about on campus. Recently, he added his voice to the airwaves as host of the President’s Radio Series, sponsored by the Current Affairs House (a student residence) and WEOS-FM, the campus radio station. His show features prominent call-in guests from a variety of backgrounds discussing current issues of local, state and national importance. The broadcast is open to the public and is led by student panelists with audience participation.