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HBO User-Generated Question: If we learn anything from history, more often than not mass atrocities, ethnic
cleansing and genocide are brought to an end down the barrel of a gun. Should US
troops be ordered to overthrow the Sudanese government? What is the "best" and
most logical solution to appropriately solve the issues there?
John Prendergast: In almost every genocide, the use of force in one form or another is almost always
required. However, there is no cookie cutter application of the use of force. In Kosovo,
the use of NATO air power helped prevent a genocide. In the Congolese region of Ituri, a
few thousand European forces prevented a genocide there as well. In Rwanda, if a few
thousand troops would have been sent quickly, hundreds of thousands of lives would
have been saved. Darfur perhaps presents the most difficult case. Given the backdrop
of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon, a US military intervention in Sudan, another majority
Muslim country, would have extremely negative repercussions far beyond Darfur.
Regime change is not politically viable right now. Therefore, the strategy that would have
the best chance to end the crisis in Darfur now would be to combine a more vigorous
peace process with the immediate deployment of the UN-led protection force already
authorized by the UN Security Council. That element of force would help protect civilians
while the issues are addressed at the negotiating table. To provide leverage, there ought
to be heavy penalties targeted at those most responsible for the violence, such as
targeted sanctions and investigations by the International Criminal Court.
HBO User-Generated Question: What do you think about a campaign to get America to boycott the Olympics in China?
I understand that China is a main supporter of the government in Khartoum because
of the oil. Also, the Chinese have a lot of national pride riding on their being the
Olympic hosts. Would they not want to avoid the international embarrassment of
having a boycott of the Olympics due to their stance in The Sudan? I am just trying to
think of a strategy that might move the political powers in this horrible international
game of realpolitik.
John Prendergast: At this juncture, the activist groups that are targeting China have not called for a boycott,
hoping that the effort to connect the Chinese to the suffering in Darfur by calling these
Games the "Genocide Olympics" will be enough. However, I believe that we need to
increase the heat on the Chinese authorities for what they are doing in Darfur, so I think it
would be useful for more and more voices to be raised asking the very question you are
asking, and saying that if we don't see any change in Chinese policy there may well be a
boycott organized against participation, or at least against those advertising during and
profiting from the games.
HBO User-Generated Question: Is there somewhere that donations such as food and water can be sent where they
will reach the people of Darfur directly?
John Prendergast: There are many courageous organizations working in Darfur with the people most effected by
the crisis. I have seen many of them in action and can vouch for their conscientiousness
and commitment, as well as to the certainty with which your donations can reach the
people. For example, the International Rescue Committee, Oxfam, and Doctors without
Borders all are doing fantastic work, and you can be sure your money will be well-spent.
HBO User-Generated Question: What can we really do to help? Beyond writing political figures, donating money to
charities, etc.?
John Prendergast: The most important thing is to join the anti-genocide movement and become active. This is
the first time since the word genocide was invented that we have a real populist
movement against a genocide while it is ongoing. The first time! You should join one of
the many groups that are out there raising hell in the political system and participate in
their campaigns and efforts. There are many to choose from; just take a look at their
websites. Two good ones are the Save Darfur Coalition (join their activist network)
and the Genocide Intervention Network (call 1-800-GENOCIDE and be patched through
to the White House switchboard and give them a piece of your mind... every week!!).
HBO User-Generated Question: Is there a list of corporations and national entities investing in Sudan? I am sure
everyone interested can write a letter or phone these investors.
John Prendergast: There is an incredible group that keeps an updated list and helps structure campaigns
against these corporations and the entities that buy their stocks. Find out more about the
Sudan Divestment Task Force by going on their website. You can even find out how to
make sure your own investments like pensions are genocide-free.
HBO User-Generated Question: In college, what areas I can major in to help be part of the solution to genocide? And
after college, what jobs can I do to be a part of genocide prevention and intervention
and humanitarian aid?
John Prendergast: While you are in college, it is most important to study abroad as much as possible and get
experience overseas, both studying and volunteering. You can major in any number of
topics, like international relations, political science, pre-law, etc. After school, it is crucial
to understand that EVERYONE, no matter what they do, can be part of the anti-genocide
movement. For example, if you are a teacher, you can bring the issue into your
curriculum. Every person can look around and see what resources they have at their
disposal -- their community, their religious institution, their alma mater, their employer,
etc. -- and see how they can leverage their membership in that group into getting others
more active with them. Again, joining in with some of the existing and wonderful activist
groups would be ideal, as these groups often have good ideas for people to pursue. If
you want to throw it all away and dedicate your life to the work, I would suggest you
spend some time overseas volunteering so you really get a feel for the work, and the
options will become much clearer over time.
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