My Sunday column argues that President Obama, whose foreign policy I normally admire, has been behind the curve in responding to the humanitarian crises in Syria and the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Granted, there aren’t good options in either place, but bad options shouldn’t be an excuse for the even worse option of doing nothing.
The first photo to the right is of a group I met by the side of the road in the Nuba Mountains as they hiked to Yida refugee camp in South Sudan. That woman was carrying a child in one arm and a huge load that I had trouble lifting — perhaps 50 pounds — on her head. And she planned to walk like that for five days, on a diet of leaves. The census shows Southern Kordofan with a population approaching 3 million, and some 800,000 of those have run out of food and are eating nothing but leaves, bugs and roots. In the coming months, some of them just won’t make it.
The second photo is of a severely malnourished child who made it to Yida refugee camp. Once kids get there, they get food and health care, and the UN has dramatically improved services at Yida since my February visit. I’d welcome your comments about what can be done.
Newer articles:
- Sudan rebels in 'deadly battle' with army in Blue Nile - Al-Arabiya - 10/06/2012 11:50
- Nigeria and South Africa held, Zambia beats Ghana - SI.com - 10/06/2012 02:10
- Vital win for Zambia as Nigeria, South Africa held - Yahoo! Sports - 10/06/2012 00:00
- From Peace Prize to Paralysis - New York Times - 09/06/2012 23:45
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- Country Director, South Sudan - Reuters AlertNet - 08/06/2012 22:43
- Sudan, South Sudan to resume talks later this month: official - Reuters - 08/06/2012 20:04
- Sudan, South Sudan break off talks, no deal in sight - Reuters - 08/06/2012 03:52
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