Contents. Historical Background on the Crisis in Darfur. 1. Darfur s History of Diversity, Colonialism, and Ethnic Conflict 13

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1 Contents Foreword 1 Introduction 4 World Map 9 Chapter 1 Historical Background on the Crisis in Darfur 1. Darfur s History of Diversity, Colonialism, and Ethnic Conflict 13 New Internationalist A magazine devoted to the fight for global justice summarizes Sudan s recent history. Its mostly pro-arab government since 1989 has alienated non-arab Sudanese and adopted harsh tactics against them. It has also inspired reaction from various resistance groups. 2. The Crisis in Darfur Is Another Episode in Sudan s History of Conflicts 22 Robert O. Collins A scholar of Africa examines how Sudan, since achieving independence in 1956, has had regular violent conflicts between Arab and African groups. 3. The Human Toll of the Darfur Fighting Is Uncertain 34 Associated Press The violence and chaos in Darfur has made it difficult for governments, aid workers, and

2 other observers to develop a clear sense of how many have died or become refugees. 4. A Tenuous Peace Agreement for Darfur Is Reached 41 International Crisis Group In 2006, many, but not all, of Sudan s contentious interest groups entered a peace agreement over Darfur calling for an international peacekeeping force to help contain the violence. 5. Despite Claims to the Contrary, the Fighting in Darfur Continues 47 Andrew Heavens The departing leader of a combined United Nations-African Union peace force in Darfur claims that the fighting in the region has been reduced to the level of banditry as of Rebel leaders claim otherwise. Chapter 2 Controversies over the Crisis in Darfur 1. The United Nations Determines that the Killings in Darfur Do Not Constitute Genocide 53 Colum Lynch An article from the Washington Post reports that the crisis in Darfur does not meet UN definitions of genocide. Nevertheless, the scale of crimes against humanity there calls for African or even international tribunals. 2. Calling the Crisis in Darfur a Genocide or Not Is a Matter of Language, Not Reality 60 Gerard Prunier

3 A scholar of Africa suggests that arguments over whether the chaos in Darfur can be termed a genocide may be important for institutions and academics but are largely distractions, making it easier to ignore the experiences of the hundreds of thousands of victims. 3. The U.S. Should Be Ready to Take Strong Measures Against the Sudanese Government 68 John Prendergast In an appearance before the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, an American activist devoted to ending atrocities in Africa argues that the United States should be ready to mount strong and consistent measures to pressure the Sudanese government to end the violence in Darfur. 4. Only Sudan Can Take the Lead in Addressing the Darfur Crisis 80 Tanalee Smith Sudan ends its two-decade southern civil war and vows to focus on the crisis in Darfur, which it promises to resolve. 5. Sudan s President Should Be Ostracized 85 Daniel K. Pryce Citing Omar al-bashir s connections to many atrocities, a writer from the West African nation of Ghana urges his president to refuse the Sudanese president s request to make an official visit to Accra, Ghana s capital. 6. China s Economic Interests in Sudan May Hinder Darfur Peace Efforts 93 Vivienne Walt

4 China s interest in Sudanese oil and other resources has helped spur an economic boom in parts of the country. However, many allege that China has also supplied arms to government fighters. 7. China Is Playing a Beneficial Role in Sudan s Development 105 Salah Nasrawi China has ties to many African countries, including Sudan. Contrary to what critics say, the Chinese government believes that these economic ties have helped improve Sudan s human rights record and facilitated its economic growth. 8. The United States, and the World Community, Must Continue to Act to End the Crisis in Darfur 109 Barack Obama In October 2009, President Obama reiterated the official U.S. viewpoint that Darfurians were suffering a genocide. He also claimed that security interests as well as humanitarian concerns required both an American and a global commitment to end the crisis. Chapter 3 Experiencing the Crisis in Darfur Firsthand 1. A Young Girl Becomes a Darfur Refugee 115 Nadia el-kareem A teenage girl describes how her Darfur village was attacked by fighters and how, in the course of escaping the fighting, she left her

5 family behind, joined with unknown companions, and became a refugee in Egypt. She expresses little hope of seeing her family again. 2. Watching Soldiers and Refugees Come and Go 124 Jen Marlowe with Aisha Bain and Adam Shapiro A young Darfurian describes the tragedies and disruptions in his village caused by the constant fighting as well as his hopes for the future. 3. Escaping Ahead of a Village Attack 136 Brian Steidle with Gretchen Steidle Wallace A former U.S. Marine working as an official U.S. military observer in Darfur describes entering a village he thought would soon suffer a vicious attack by Janjaweed rebels. He and his companions barely escaped in time. 4. A Darfurian Doctor Plans to Continue Reminding the World of Her People s Suffering 143 Times Colonist (Victoria) Despite urgings from others that her stories of Darfur will provide no new information and that Darfurian women should not speak out, a doctor and author pledges to keep the story of Darfur alive. Chronology 149 For Further Reading 155 Index 158