tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post42310758226347849..comments2023-10-25T02:03:00.168-07:00Comments on Stand: Guest Post - Comments NeededIanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268287517831294520noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post-9179794290077987862009-01-05T05:40:00.000-08:002009-01-05T05:40:00.000-08:00I totally agree that the conflict has become more ...I totally agree that the conflict has become more and more complicated, especially with the division of rebel groups.<BR/><BR/>Since a lot of instability has been brought about by the division of rebel groups I think one way to help bring stability would be unifying rebels for the purpose of peace talks. Although it seams the likelihood of that happening is pretty slim these days since the JEM doesn't want to deal with other rebel groups.<BR/><BR/>One thing STAND always suggests is the creation of a special envoy to Sudan who could help to unify the rebels. I think thats a good start, and we can pressure our government easily for that. And maybe because our government is/was feeling the pressure of being overthrown they may be more willing to listen to us.<BR/><BR/>However aside from pressuring our own government I think we should look at how the north-south peace process was brought about. I was told it was through international pressure (especially countries bordering on Sudan) and threat of economic sanctions. I don't know if thats true... a fault of my own I guess for not researching more. <BR/><BR/>But if it is true then that is something we can try to achieve or if its not how was the north-south peace process brought about?Gerrithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15241913096158337862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post-42330812851263846322008-12-25T00:32:00.000-08:002008-12-25T00:32:00.000-08:00Great post with some solid questions. I don't thin...Great post with some solid questions. I don't think the Government of Sudan COULD stop the conflict if they wanted to - in fact, that's why they armed to Janjaweed to begin with, counter-insurgency on the cheap. The government has never been particularly successful in securing the country from rival groups. <BR/><BR/>In terms of whether the government is still doing bad things, they are. The basic pattern of the past few months has been to announce some sort of peace effort to placate the international community and then immediately follow it with a bombing campaign. This suggests two things to me: 1) different actors within the government are pulling it in different directions. I don't think the NCP is nearly as cohesive as we give it credit for sometimes and the ICC move has people panicked as to what is the appropriate action. 2) the government wants to look good for the international community but doesn't want to look weak to the rebels or other dissident groups within Sudan. <BR/><BR/>Basically, all in all, the ruling party seems to be in a bit of a tough position that they are not exactly sure how to get out of. Additionally, they have very little control in Darfur, but when they do invariably try to assert some control, civilians still bear the brunt of it, through bombing campaigns, sponsored violence, or raids on the IDP camps.Ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12268287517831294520noreply@blogger.com