"Breakthrough" in Sudan
For the first time the Sudanese government has agreed to allow UN troops into the Darfur region. The number of troops however is still a source of debate, with UN Secretary-General Annan stating there will be 17,000 troops and 3,000 police, but Sudanese officials putting the number closer to 11,000-12,000. While there is obviously some more negotiations in store and some time before UN troops will actually be in Darfur, I think this is a great step. Thus far, the Sudanese government has been very reluctant to allow anyone but the underfunded and undersized African Union force into Darfur. This AU group has been unable to prevent atrocities which are occurring daily. Now the AU force will mix with the UN and hopefully be able to finally wind down this conflict that has left 200,000-400,000 dead and many more maimed, raped, and homeless. Reuters has more here. And if you don't know much about what is happening over in Darfur, please take the time to educate yourself by reading here. It is really disturbing that such acts are still taking place in the wake of the events in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. So much for "Never again."