Awareness

I'm learning a lot about the genocide in Darfur and so I became curious about other peoples' opinion on the issue. I didn't know much about it, but I understand now that it is a very important issue that we in America should discuss. We need to show global concern for issues such as these even if they do not directly affect us.
This is just my opinion however. So, I have created a poll because I want others' opinions as well. I want to know what the general view is on issues such as this and the U.S.'s involvement in them.

More Background

Now back to some more background. While peace negotiations were being made, a rebellion broke out. The two groups responsible, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), attacked military institutions. They were fighting for an end to economic and political marginalization in Darfur. Government supported militias were created and they began to recruit Arabs from Darfur and Chad. These so called "Janjaweed" militias were allowed by the government to clear unloyal citizens. Janjaweed, along with the government, began to systematically kill civilians. When they invaded a village, they would usually kill the men and rape or sexually assualt the women. In 2004, the U.S. Congress declared that the situation in Darfur was truly a case of genocide.

Events

While researching, I was pleased to find a list of events all over the world to raise awareness of this issue. I've found a variety of events in Mexico, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Sudan itself, and a variety of other places. These events have ranged from concerts to protests and even dance showcases.
I have also found a few organizations that are trying to make a difference. Some of these are the Darfur Pledge and Save Darfur campaigns. These groups are widespread and have helped organize some of the events described above. Its comforting to know that someone is trying to make a difference.

Background

To understand this conflict it is important to look at the recent history of Darfur.

Darfur is a region of Sudan, the largest country in Africa. It is approximately the size of Texas.
Through the past twenty years or so a drought has caused the amount of water and farm land to decrease. This drought has led to conflicts between groups such as herders, who are primarily Arab Muslims, and farmers, who are primarily Black Muslims. Conflicts like these have been common since the 1950s when Sudan gained independence from the United Kingdom and Egypt. There have been many uprisings against the government. There was even a civil war which finally ended on January 9, 2005 with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
This quick information shows a trait of Darfur in recent years; violence. I have not come to the start of the current genocide, but now I understand a little more about Darfur's past.

wow

I started researching today and I'm already shocked. The statistics of those who have been killed and displace in the past few years are appalling. As of 2003, at least a hundred people were dying a day and five thousand lives were lost a month. At least 2,500,000 people have been displaced and I'm sure that number has risen.
The means of death are even more disturbing than these figures. The militia group involved has used rape, starvation, displacement, and mass murder as their methods.
Why has this not been stopped?

Intro

I know nothing about the genocide taking place in Darfur. However, oftentimes the most objective parties are those who are just entering the world of a controversial topic. This blog will explore the reasons, causes, and conditions of the genocide that is taking place in this African region and why it has not ended.
My sister is the one who sparked my interest of this issue. She has been involved in 'Save Darfur' efforts and campaigns. She has a strong stance on the issue and throughout the creation of this blog I hope to develop my own stance and to discover for myself, and others, the real truth of this genocide.