Transcript America’s Response - American University

America’s Response
Ryan Post, Brielle Boffard, Kelsey Matusak, Brittney
Manchester, Joanie Schroeder, Matthew Lebowitz,
Stephanie Cappucci, Tom Anderson
Past U.S. Foreign Policy with
Sudan
•
In 1993 Sudan was placed on a list of countries that sponsored terrorism.
Being placed on this list meant that the country’s government was immoral
and did not help combat terrorism.
•
Sudan was allegedly a hide out for many terrorist figures including Osama
Bin Laden. This is especially enraging to the United States for the obvious
reasons. We knew however, that there may be information to be had about
said terrorists if they operated in Sudan.
•
In 2004 Sudan was removed from the list of uncooperative countries in the
war against terror due to their reformation of hiding possible terrorist figures.
This was in order to both gain them good standing with the United States
and enable the start of a relationship which may benefit the intelligence of
the United States.
Information from http://www.state.gov
Current Foreign Policy with Sudan
• U.S. provides humanitarian aid
– U.S. leading contributor in
monetary aid
– U.S. needs to contribute
the most in order to avoid
claims of negligence
• U.S. desire for Sudanese intelligence
– Makes the U.S. hesitant about
sending military force
– Need to keep a decent
relationship with Sudanese
government
www.graphicmaps.com
Future Foreign Policy with Sudan
• More and more pressure is being put on the U.S. to stop the
genocide and focus more on intervention
• U.S. War on Terror vs. Saving the Lives of the Innocent Citizens of
Sudan
• It is speculated that the U.S. will continue to provide monetary aid
and work through organizations like the African Union and the U.N.
in order to stop the genocide.
• Although monetary aid is helpful, it is doubtful that without actual
manpower and military intervention that the genocide will be
stopped.
U.S. Aid to Darfur
• Since Febuary 2003, the United States has been providing aid to
Darfur
• 85.5 Million dollars in relief commodities (2004)
• 80,000 tons of food (2004)
• In 2005, 650 Million dollars has been provided to the African Union
Mission
• 450 Million dollars of reconstruction to other areas in Sudan
U.S. Pressure on Sudan
• Andrew Natsios has called this the worst humanitarian
disaster in the world
• The United States has said they will not normalize
relations with Sudan unless:
– The Janjaweed is disarmed
– The ceasefire agreement signed in N’Djemena is
respected
– Travel permits are issued in order to get refugees
from the cities to refugee camps
U.S. / U.N.
• The United States has been
the leading nation in the
security council dealing with
the genocide.
• They have endorsed security
resolution 1706 which calls for
the peacekeeping force in
Darfur to be expanded to
20,000 members
• The mandate for the African
Union force ends January
2007
America’s Relations with Foreign Nations and the
Repercussions for Darfur
• The United States’ involvement, policies, and history concerning
several African and Middle Eastern countries have greatly affected
the current administration’s response and action to the Darfur
genocide.
– The U.S. and Egypt
– The U.S. and Libya
– Iraq and the ‘War on Terror’
Congressional Activity
•
On three occasions in 2004, Congress declared that the conditions in Darfur
constituted genocide. Over 200,000 people had been slaughtered. No US
assistance was sent.
•
The response from Congress was a National weekend of prayer.
•
In 2005 as a result of the continuing genocide Congress directs NATO to do an
assessment mission. Again, no US assistance was sent.
•
Also in 2005, Congress passes denial of foreign tax credit to Sudan until the
genocide ends. Once more, no US assistance was sent.
•
In 2006, Congress calls on the President to step up protection for civilians in
Sudan. No military assistance was provided.
•
Also in 2006, Congress calls for the President to deploy a Presidential Convoy
to assess the current situation and the ongoing genocide. No military action or
assistance sent.
•
The US has spent over 2 years simply defining the genocide, but not offering
any military assistance to end it. The genocide continues.
Presidential Activity
•
•
•
George W. Bush’s African Policy:
–
Bush’s plan focuses on humanitarian efforts towards food, HIV/AIDS and
to “promote peace” but not using US military resources.
–
The US has informed Sudan that they need to solve the genocide
problem. The US is still remaining inactive with no commitment other
than humanitarian.
Darfur Plan:
To assist and provide humanitarian aid, to increase securityNATO, UN, African Union and to increase international involvement and
funding. As the genocide continues, the US and other countries continue to
talk and develop plans on paper but offering no military support. The
genocide continues, the mass gang rapes of women/girls continues with no
direct consequences to the rebels committing the crimes.
State Department Activity
•
During press conferences the following opinions have been stated:
•
In 2004, then Secretary of State Powell described the violence as genocide.
•
Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick, was chief U.S. negotiator in the
peace talks stated this was a chance to end the violence in Darfur but also
stated the dangers and threats remain.
•
Zoellick pushed for 4,000 combatants to be integrated into the army, police and
training programs with civilian reconstruction.
•
Negotiators tried to keep the focus on the people of Darfur and integrating
them into the political process.
•
Secretary of State Rice said “the situation in Darfur is an extraordinary
circumstance in which crimes against humanity are clearly being committed,
and that the world cannot afford further delay in addressing it.”
H.R. 3127
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006
Click to View H.R. 3127
(You will need to search for H.R. 3127. Make sure to select the “search by bill number” option)
Signed into law (P.L. 109-344) October 13, 2006
(impressive.net)
Congressional Findings
– Violence in Darfur labeled as genocide
• July 23, 2004 – Congress stated that the, “atrocities unfolding
in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide.”
• September 9, 2004 – Colin L. Powell declared, “genocide has
occurred and may still be occurring in Darfur.”
• September 21, 2004 – George W. Bush referred to the
atrocities in Darfur and called them, “…crimes my
government has concluded are genocide.”
– U.N. has passed several Security Council Resolutions
– Transition from African Union Mission in Sudan to
U.N. peacekeeping operation
– Set April 30, 2006 as deadline for reaching an
agreement on how to solve the crisis in Darfur
According to Congress…
•
The U.S. should…
– “strongly support” the Darfur Peace Agreement
– Act to “suppress” the genocide if the expanded African Union Mission fails
– Support a student loan incentive program for students who commit to return to
Southern Sudan for at least five years
– “strongly condemn attacks” against those in the Sudan trying to bring aid (African
Union Mission and other humanitarian workers)
•
The U.S. should act through the U.N. by…
– Acting to mobilize political, military and financial resources through both the U.N.
and NATO
– Having the United States President direct the UN representative from the US to
use “voice, vote and influence” to make positive steps toward peace
– Having the United States’ UN representative push for the Government of Sudan
to have no rights and privileges in the General Assembly until they agree to
disarm the Janjaweed
Sanctions
•
Blocking of assets
– If the President determines that an individual is at all related to the atrocities
occurring in the Sudan, their assets will be blocked if they were transferred
on or after July 1, 2002
•
Restrictions on visas
– The President shall deny a visa or entry to an individual that is at all related to
the atrocities occurring in the Sudan, if their assets were transferred on or
after July 1, 2002
•
Trade activities
– President Bush will attempt to block the Government of Sudan from oil
revenues
• This will include prohibiting entry to oil tankers or cargo ships “engaged in
business or trade activities in the oil sector of Sudan”
– U.S. Presidential obligations
• The law will remain in effect and follow the prescribed course unless the
President seeks permission from the Committee on Foreign Relations
(Senate) and the Committee on International Relations (House)
Background: Catholic Relief
Services
• Currently 3.5 million people (more then half of Darfur's population)
depends on humanitarian aid to survive.
• One main NGO working in Sudan is the Catholic Relief Services .
Catholic Relief Services is the official international relief and
development agency of the U.S. Catholic community.
• The Catholic's are so interested in helping Darfur because many
Christians have died beginning with the Sudanese Civil Wars and
now Darfur. The Christians and animists live in the South and
Muslims live in the North. The South was Christianized by
Missionaries When Britain took full control over Sudan.
Background: Catholic Relief
Services
• The First and Second Civil Wars were between the north
and south over the issue of autonomy for the south.
• After the First Civil War General Numairi started the
process of Islamization of Sudan. This continued after
the Second Civil War with President Numairi. The
Christians felt oppressed because of this Islaminization.
• The Second Civil War took place in southern Sudan
(where the Christians lived). More than 2 million Christians
were killed.
Background: Catholic Relief
Services
• In the midst of finalizing the peace agreement to end the
Civl War, conflict broke out in Sudan's westernmost
province, Darfur. 2.61 million people were affected by this
crisis, with 1.85 million internally displaced and 193,000
living as refugees in Chad. 1/3 of Darfur's population now
require emergency aid.
Catholic Relief Services...
– Supported relief and development programs in Sudan since the
end of the first major civil war in 1971
– In the wake of the Darfur crisis CRS opened up a field office in El
Geneina, West Darfur.
– One of the largest nongovernmental humanitarian agencies
working in Sudan, primarily across the southern regions.
– In southern Sudan, CRS provides support for agriculture,
education, emergency relief, health, business enterprise, capacity
building and peace building.
– In Darfur, CRS provides emergency relief in the form of shelter,
food, water, relief supplies, sanitation, education, agricultural
recovery, health and hygiene promotion.
American Jewish World Service
– An international development organization motivated
by Judaism's imperative to improve justice.
– Providing humanitarian aid to many of the displaced
and traumatized people who have been violently
forced from their homes and are now living in camps
in Sudan and Chad.
– Putting pressure on the US and world leaders to end
this crisis, AJWS founded the Save Darfur Coalition in
June 2004.
– Sent numerous letters to the US government
demanding action to end the genocide and provide
emergency aid.
American Jewish World
Service...
– Organized thousands of people to join rallies in New
York and other cities to call for international action to
end this genocide.
– Raising funds that are being used to develop water
sources, construct sanitation facilities, provide basic
health care and educational and recreational activities
for children in the camps.
– Supporting reproductive and emergency health
services and violence prevention throughout Darfur
and Chad.
AmeriCares
– A non-profit disaster relief and humanitarian aid
organization that delivers donations of
medicines, medical supplies and other relief
materials to places in need.
– Delivered $3.8 million dollars of medicines and
medical supplies to South Sudan and
continues its relief efforts in Darfur.
Doctors Without Borders
• One of the main health service providers in the Darfur
region of Sudan over the past thirty months.
• Reduced its medical-humanitarian activities because it
has become too dangerous for staff to work in some areas
of Sudan.
– THIS IS THE SAD THING ABOUT THE NGOS:
OVER 50 OF THEM HAVE BEEN EVACUATED FROM
DARFUR BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT
WANT THEM AND THERE AND REBEL GROUPS
HAVE BEEN TARGETING THEM AND PREVENTING
PEOPLE FROM GETTING AID
USAID - History
• September 4, 1961, Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act
• November 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the US
Agency for International Development (USAID)
• USAID is the first foreign assistance organization
– Independent Federal Government agency that receives one-half
of 1% of the federal budget
– Has working relationships with more than 3,500 American
Companies and over 300 U.S. based private voluntary
organizations
USAID Goals/Mission
• USAID is driven to build stability in Africa, strengthen democratic
institutions, preserve the environment, promote economic growth,
advance food security, educate children, and ensure health.
• In areas that USAID is able to gain access their mission is to support
development of civil authorities, provide a legal framework,
rehabilitate schools, and focusing on basic health services.
• USAID also works with African-led regional organizations to address
some of the fundamental development issues.
• Priority spending is focused on Health and Environmental Issues.
• Long Term Goal: USAID is preparing to rebuild Darfur once the
genocide has come to an end.
Current USAID Involvement
•
Current Events:
– 2005- sent $347 million dollars worth of food into Darfur
– August-September of 2006: Dispatched urgent medical assistance, food, water,
and health assistance to 2,500-3,400 people forced out of South Darfur and
seeking refuge in Seisabna.
– November 17, 2006- sent an additional $90.5 million dollars worth of emergency
food aid to help Sudan and it was help to 3 million people in the Darfur region
and 220,000 refugees in Chad.
•
Problems:
– 80% of these resources are able to reach Darfur, although the violence and
insecurity has prevented a quarter of a million people access to these resources
– USAID does not have access to all areas of Darfur, and are currently unable to
reach areas where camps are located, food is running out, sanitary conditions
are worsening, and disease is spreading.
– USAID is preparing for 2007 and hope to successfully deliver food and
immunizations to the camps.
History of US Responses to Previous
Genocides
• After the Holocaust, the phrase “Never Again” became popular in the
United States
• “But in the last half century since, something has gone badly wrong.
In Bosnia the men, women and children of Stupni Do, Srebrenica,
Ahmici, Zvornik all learned in recent years that the promise of “never
again” counted for little. Cambodia (Carter), northern Iraq (Reagan,
Bush), Bosnia (Bush, Clinton) and Rwanda (Clinton)– have yielded
virtually no American action and few stern words.”
-Samantha Power: Never Again: The World’s Most Unfulfilled Promise
History of US Response to Previous
Genocides
• When it came to atrocities in Cambodia, Iraq and Rwanda, the
United States also refrained from condemning the crimes or
imposing economic sanctions; and, again in Rwanda, the United
States refused to authorize the deployment of a multinational U.N.
force, and also squabbled over who would foot the bill for American
transport vehicles.
-Samantha Power Never Again: The World’s Most Unfulfilled Promise
Iraq
• United States force deployments in Iraq have made intervention by
the US in Darfur a difficult proposition
• Number of American soldiers in Iraq- 169,200.
• Number of American soldiers in Africa- 800
• With debacle in Iraq, United States has all of its focus on fixing all
the disorder in Iraq
• It is believed the United States can ill-afford to place troops in Darfur
because the soldiers are stretched so thin in Iraq
• President Bush’s legacy is strictly going to be Iraq, so as the
Commander in Chief, his main focus will continue to be centered on
Iraq
• *IRAQ IS NUMBER ONE ISSUE TO THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
• Source: PBS Frontline: Rumsfeld’s War
Why Can US ill-afford to Place American
Troops in Darfur?
•
A belief in the United States is that it needs to fix its own problems before it
can go getting involved in another country that it doesn’t have much of a
national interest in.
•
Moral Obligation vs. National Interest
•
Throughout US History, US has intervened militarily with the purposes of
securing foreign ports, removing unpalatable dictators, protecting American
oil interests, etc. Never has the US intervened to stop a ‘genocide’ for the
reason that it was morally wrong, there were larger national interests at
stake.
•
Thus, whatever is in the United States best interest will conquer any moral
feelings it feels for another country.
Source: Samantha Power Never Again: The World’s Most Unfulfilled Promise
What the American People Think
•
-A PIPA-Knowledge Networks poll of 812 Americans finds majority support for several forms of intervention in the crisis
in Darfur.
•
Asked whether UN members should “step in with military force to stop the violence in Darfur,” 61% said that it should,
while 32% said that it should not. Support=bi-partisan: 67% of Republicans and 62% of Democrats favored it.
•
Asked, “If other members of the UN are willing to contribute troops to a military operation in Darfur, do you think the US
should or should not be willing to contribute some troops as well?” 54% said that it should, while 39% were opposed.
Once again, support=bi-partisan.
•
The African Union has asked NATO for equipment and logistical support. Asked, “Do you think NATO, including the US,
should or should not provide such help?” 71% said the US should while only 21% said it should not.
•
The American people visibly disagree with the government’s decision not to intervene militarily in Darfur
•
Public Opinion vs. Government
Source: World Public Opinion. The Darfur Crisis: The African and American Public Opinion