Darfur
The Darfur conflict is a complex crisis in the Darfur region of western Sudan. One side of the armed conflict is composed mainly of the Sudanese military and the Janjaweed, a militia group recruited mostly from the Arab Baggara tribes of the northern Rizeigat, camel-herding nomads. The other side comprises a variety of rebel groups, notably the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement, recruited primarily from the land-tilling Fur, Zaghawa, and Massaleit ethnic groups. The Sudanese government, while publicly denying that it supports the Janjaweed, has provided money and assistance to the militia and has participated in joint attacks targeting the tribes from which the rebels draw support. The conflict began in February 2003. Unlike in the Second Sudanese Civil War, which was fought between the primarily Muslim north and Christian and Animist south, almost all of the combatants and victims in Darfur are Muslim. The United States government has described it as genocide with estimates of 200,000 - 400,000 dead and 2.5 million refugees.
Joseph Biden on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Use American Troops to End Genocide |
| Description: | Senator Joseph Biden proposes we use American troops as soon as possible to end the genocide in Darfur. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Senate Hearing on Darfur (8/1/07)
Senator Joe Biden talks about his plan for Darfur in the senate. |
| 2. |
Crisis in Darfur (PBS Forum) (8/1/07)
Senator Joe Biden at a debate stating the US should act and put troops on the ground. |
| 3. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"I have been calling for three years to stop talking and start acting. We don't have to wait to get out of Iraq to regain our moral authority. We've lost part of our moral authority because we stood by and watched this carnage. And if need be, if the rest of the world will not act, we should, and should have already -- two years ago -- imposed a no-fly zone, and we should have two years ago, absent the willingness of the rest of the world to act, put American troops on the ground to stop the carnage." |
Sam Brownback on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Bring in a U.N. peacekeeping force, Implement a no-fly zone, protect civilians, and have economic sanctions. |
| Description: | Sen. Brownback co-sponsored a $60 million amendment allocated toward helping establish a UN peacekeeping force in the region. He also has divested his family's mutual funds from companies that conduct business with the government of Sudan. He has additionally co-sponsored bills to protect civilians and establish economic sanctions. The Genocide Intervention Network has given him an A rating on his Darfur Scorecard. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Sam Brownback (8/12/07)
A scorecard of his actions with Darfur. He received an A . |
| 2. |
Brownback Applauds Senate Passage of Darfur Aid in Supplemental Appropriations Bill (8/12/07)
"There is a genocide taking place right before our very eyes and it must be stopped," Brownback said. "The U.S. must continue to press this issue at the highest levels. I want to thank my colleague Senator Corzine for offering these amendments and the more than 30 other members who cosponsored them. The Darfur Accountability Amendment provides the administration the tools they need to sanction individuals who have committed atrocities in the region, and the funding amendment puts our money where our mouth is - helping out the people of Darfur." |
| 3. |
Policy Adrift on Darfur (8/12/07)
Barack Obama and Sam Brownback wrote an article about how much work we need to do in Darfur. |
| 4. |
Huckabee Shines As GOP Forum Truants Devastate 2008 Prospects (10/15/07)
"I couldn't disagree more with that answer," said Brownback, who has often said "a child in Darfur is as sacred as a child in the womb" in making his "pro-life" case. |
Hillary Clinton on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Move in peace keeping force, provide logistical support, implement no-fly zone |
| Description: | At the democratic debates at Howard University, Senator Hillary Clinton said "There are three things we have to do immediately. Move the peace keepers that finally the United Nations and the African Union have agreed to into Sudan as soon as possible. In order for them to be effective, there has to be airlift and logistical support, and that can only come either unilaterally from the United States or from NATO. I prefer NATO. And finally, we should have a no-fly zone over Sudan because the Sudanese governments bomb the villages before and after the Janjawid come. And we should make it very clear to the government in Khartoum we're putting up a no-fly zone; if they fly into it, we will shoot down their planes. Is the only way to get their attention." |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"There are three things we have to do immediately. Move the peacekeepers that finally the United Nations and the African Union have agreed to into Sudan as soon as possible. In order for them to be effective, there has to be airlift and logistical support, and that can only come either unilaterally from the United States or from NATO. I prefer NATO. And finally, we should have a no-fly zone over Sudan because the Sudanese governments bomb the villages before and after the Janjawid come. And we should make it very clear to the government in Khartoum we're putting up a no-fly zone; if they fly into it, we will shoot down their planes. Is the only way to get their attention." |
Stephen Colbert on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Something should be done |
| Description: | Stephen Colbert believes that something should be done to end "the terrible situation in Darfur." He is hesitant to make any commitments because he does not like it when celebrities attempt to pressure him into decisions. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Episode 2056 (05/01/2006) (10/19/07)
On May 1, 2006 episode of the Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert said "We all know the terrible situation in Darfur has been going on far too long, at great human cost, and it's high time that the West did something about it. I'm just saying maybe we shouldn't do something about it now that we're being told to do something about it by George Clooney." |
Christopher Dodd on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Take unilateral action against Sudan |
| Description: | Senator Christoper Dodd supports taking unilateral action against Sudan. This action does not explicitly involve the military but he has discussed removing the U.S. from Iraq to increase the ability to become involved in situations such as this. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"Well, we've unfortunately, as a result of our conflict in Iraq, the sustaining of a military presence there, have lost our moral authority, unfortunately. And as a result of that, our ability to mobilize the world on issues like Darfur has been severely damaged. But the United States should be able to take some unilateral action here in providing the kind of protection where people are being slaughtered in that country; and in the meantime, get our military out of Iraq, as I've planned and offered to do, and thus regain that stature, which we need to be doing as a nation in this world and be able to build those coalitions -- respond to an issue like Darfur. But in the meantime, the United States ought to act." |
John Edwards on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement a no-fly zone over Darfur, use a security force, and implement diplomatic sanctions |
| Description: | John Edwards' plan includes implementing a no-fly zone, using a security force, and implementing diplomatic sanctions to prevent countries supporting the Sudanese government, particularly China. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"I agree, a no-fly zone -- we need to get a security force on the ground; sanctions -- we need to put pressure on the Chinese. But I -- Darfur is part of a bigger question for America, which is, how do we re-establish ourselves after Iraq as a force for good in the world again? And I think there are lots of things we ought to do. Instead of spending $500 billion in Iraq, suppose America led an effort to make primary school education available to 100 million children in the world who have no education, including in Africa.Suppose we led on stopping the spread of disease, sanitation, clean drinking water and economic development." |
Newt Gingrich on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Establish a no-flight zone, implement a U.N. peacekeeping force, and use economic sanctions. |
| Description: | "Our task force addressed Darfur directly, recommending a series of immediate initiatives for the United States, the UN and others, including establishment of a no-flight zone. Although the outcome document did not address this issue, it is clear that international action is still urgently needed. African Union troops in Darfur are unable to protect themselves, let alone those they were sent to protect." - Newt Gingrich talking about the U.N task force. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Statement to Senate Comittee on Foreign Relations (8/13/07)
A statement Gingrich made about the U.N. in which he touched on Darfur and the lack of action. |
| 2. |
Report card from America (8/13/07)
Newt talks about the conclusions of the U.N. committee. |
Rudolph Giuliani on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | America should play a big role in ending the genocide in Darfur and it should be a bigger part of our agenda |
| Description: | Giuliani wants to play the biggest role of any nation in ending the genocide in Darfur. He doesn't think the solution is working with the U.N. because of past experiences with them. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Rudy Talks About the Darfur Crisis in Cedar Rapids (9/24/07)
Rudy Giuliani talks about how, as President, he would lead America in taking a leadership role in the Darfur crisis. |
Chuck Hagel on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement a no-fly zone over Darfur, use a security force, and implement diplomatic sanctions |
| Description: | Hagel co-sponsored the no-fly legislation and has voted for sanctions, and a U.N. peacekeeping force. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Chuck Hagel: Darfur Scorecard (8/13/07)
What Chuck has done in reference to Darfur. |
Duncan Hunter on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement U.N peacekeeping force |
| Description: | Hunter has voted for in favor of a U.N. peacekeeping force and has opposed increasing aid to Darfur. The Genocide Intervention Network gave Hunter a 'D' rating on his Darfur scorecard. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Darfur Scorecard: Duncan Hunter (8/13/07)
What Hunter has done in reference to Darfur. |
Dennis Kucinich on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Use sanctions and bring in a NATO peacekeeping force |
| Description: |
Dennis Kucinich has * Voted For Darfur Peace and Accountability Act * Co-Sponsored and Voted For NATO Bridging Force Legislation * Voted For Presidential Special Envoy * Co-Sponsored and Voted For Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act * Voted For China Resolution Has Not Supported... * A Funding Amendment for Civilian Protection * A Funding Amendment for Humanitarian Aid |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
It's time for the United States to stop looking at Africa as a place where our corporations can exploit the people and -- (cheers, applause) -- I mean, because let's face it, let's -- let's face it, if Darfur had a large supply of oil, this administration would be occupying it right now. |
| 2. |
Dennis Kucinich Darfur Scorecard (10/18/07)
Darfur legislation he has sponsored, voted for, and not voted for. |
John McCain on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement a U.S. peacekeeping force, impose sanctions, establish a no-fly zone, provide logistical support, use intelligence to record any crimes for future prosecutions, and encourage other nations to abandon Sudan support |
| Description: | "First, the United States should reject out of hand Khartoum's demand that the African Union force leave and should insist that it stay, with broad international support, until the introduction of a robust U.N. force in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1706. Second, the United States should call on the European Union to impose financial sanctions against the Sudanese leadership and to pursue the immediate imposition of similar sanctions by the U.N. Security Council. Third, NATO should immediately establish and enforce a no-fly zone over Darfur to ensure that Khartoum ends its offensive military flights and bombing raids, as the Security Council has already demanded. Fourth, the United States should intensify efforts to persuade U.N. members to commit troops and funds for the U.N. force in Darfur, and it should develop plans for U.S. logistical support. The administration should push the United Nations to draw up firm plans for the entrance of a robust force into Darfur and contingency plans for the force to enter without Sudanese consent. Fifth, U.S. and allied intelligence assets, including satellite technology, should be dedicated to record any atrocities that occur in Darfur so that future prosecutions can take place. We should publicly remind Khartoum that the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes in Darfur and that Sudanese leaders will be held personally accountable for attacks on civilians. Finally, the United States should increase pressure on countries friendly to Khartoum -- and particularly our allies in the Arab League -- to abandon their support for Sudan's refusal to accept the U.N. force." -John McCain |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Rescue Darfur Now (8/13/07)
An article written by McCain and Bob Dole about what needs to be done in Darfur. |
| 2. |
John McCain: Darfur Scorecard (8/13/07)
How McCain has voted in reference to Darfur. |
Barack Obama on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement no-fly zone, provide a multi-national protecting force, increase trade with Africa to increase economic pressure. |
| Description: |
Senator Barack Obama's plan for Darfur would be to... 1. Implement a no-fly zone over that region of Sudan 2. Build a multi-national protecting force to stabilize the area and 3. Increase trade opportunities and investments in Africa. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Obama on Darfur (8/1/07)
Senator Barack Obama calls for no fly zone. |
| 2. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"The no-fly zone is important. Having the protective force is critical. But we have to look at Africa not just after a crisis happens; what are we doing with respect to trade opportunities with Africa? What are we doing in terms of investment in Africa? What are we doing to pay attention to Africa consistently with respect to our foreign policy? That has been what's missing in the White House, and that -- (applause) -- our term security is going to depend on whether we're giving children in Sudan and Zimbabwe and in Kenya the same opportunities so that they have a stake in order as opposed to violence and chaos." |
| 3. |
Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (10/14/07)
Barack talks about the genocide in Darfur, Iran, and Iraq. |
Ron Paul on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Use moral statements rather than direct intervention |
| Description: | "No one denies that the humanitarian situation in Darfur is dire, but the United States government has no business entangling itself in this situation, nor in forcing divestment on unwilling parties. Any further divestment action should be undertaken through voluntary means and not by government fiat." - Ron Paul to the U.S. House |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul195.html (8/13/07)
A statement by Paul to the House about sending a U.N. or U.S. peacekeeping force to Darfur. |
| 2. |
Ron Paul on Darfur Sanctions, Divestment Bill (8/13/07)
A statement Paul made to the House urging against sanctions. |
Bill Richardson on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Implement a no-fly zone and implement economic sanctions on countries supporting the genocide. |
| Description: | Governor Bill Richardson proposes that a no-fly zone be implemented over Darfur and that the US increase pressure on China to stop economic support of the Sudanese government. This includes the possibility of boycotting the 2008 Olympics being held in China. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07)
"You know, in the last debate I upset some people because I said we should use the levers on China, on them hosting the Olympics, to do something on Darfur. You know, I believe that fighting genocide is more important than sports. So what I would like to do is, one, a no-fly zone. Get economic sanctions backed by the Europeans. We need to find ways to stop the massive rapes. I was in Darfur three months ago. Today a report by Refugees International laid out a plan to deal with ---- that. We should not forget about Africa. American policymakers should take stands --" |
Tom Tancredo on Darfur
More on this candidate
| Stance: | Increase U.S. involvement in Darfur to end the genocide |
| Description: | Tancredo says that one of his proudest accomplishments is his work to end genocide in Sudan. He has worked with allies from both parties to raise awareness and to cosponsor legislation aimed at ending genocide in the Darfur region. Tancredo, who has been called a "congressional champion" for the region, first became an advocate for Darfur years ago when he saw a presentation at his church. |
| Citations: |
| 1. |
10 Things You Didn't Know About Tom Tancredo (9/24/07)
8. Tancredo says that one of his proudest accomplishments is his work to end genocide in Sudan. He has worked with allies from both parties to raise awareness and to cosponsor legislation aimed at ending genocide in the Darfur region. Tancredo, who has been called a "congressional champion" for the region, first became an advocate for Darfur years ago when he saw a presentation at his church. |
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