Nicholas Kristof has been writing a series of opinion pieces that spotlight the tragedy of one of the millions of people suffering in Sudan. I can still link to two that are free to read here and here. They're predictably gripping. He does a good job of telling a horrible story in a short space and the accompanying photo today is enough to make you never want to read another newpaper again - not because it's gruesome because it isn't. But because you know what Magboula, the woman pictured, has been through and the beautiful baby on her lap is crying like she knows what's ahead.
In the forums that the paper sets up for readers to discuss columns, Kristof has posted links to agencies he suggests to people who want to help the situation. He mentions Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee, Human Rights Watch and Catholic Relief Services, World Vision and American Jewish World Service.
He also lists some sites that people can use to stay informed: Gurtong Peace Project and All Africa. I read Jim Moore's Journal.
I don't have a clear idea for what else to do in Sudan right now. I don't know why BushCo didn't want to at least appropriate $95 million for relief for the victims of famine and war in Sudan and Chad. I understand the reluctance to throw money at corrupt governments since it doesn't get to the people who need it. But according to this AP story, the WH budget office simply said that the money was "unnecessary at this time". That may be code for "we don't want to waste money on corrupt governments."
My neighbor, who is active in outreach programs in Africa via Planned Parenthood, says that the only effective humanitarian help comes through NGOs - nothing else reaches the ground. She gets apoplectic if I mention the gag rule to her. She also says that the only economic policies that do any good are the ones that are started through local women, one woman at a time. That's not going to stop a rabid army from killing entire villages at a time right now, but that model may help prevent the development of a culture in which an army like that can grow.
For now, as I said, beyond donating to groups that will help the refugees, I'm at a loss.
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