Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Complexity as an Excuse for Inaction
A few weeks ago, PBS aired a made-for-HBO film about the 1994 genocide in Rwanda called "Sometimes in April." Following the presentation, journalist Jeff Greenfield held a panel discussion about world's last of response to Rwanda and the similarities to the current genocide in Darfur.
Former Deputy Secretary of State Paul Wolfowitz was among the panelists and during the discussion, made the following points
Wolfowitz: One of the things that bears thinking about from the Rwanda experience, and everyone of these cases is different, and I think one ought to recognize that. But it seems to me that the thing that stuck me as unique about the Rwanda experience, on the one hand the sheer horror of it, with the exception of the Holocaust and even then at a sort of per day rate, this was probably the worst genocide ever. But secondly, and we'll never know this for sure because you never know the course that wasn't taken, but it was seem as though a relatively modest military action aimed at eliminating that regime could have ended the genocide and ended it rather quickly.
What strikes me and seems to me is true in Rwanda, is true in Bosnia, is true in World War II, is true in Cambodia, this kind of systematic, one-sided elimination of a population is not done spontaneously by another ethnic group, it's organized by a criminal gang and if that criminal gang had been eliminated in Rwanda the genocide would have ended.
But that comes to my last point which is, then it depends on how do you conceive of the peacekeeping operation and nobody proposed, that I know of, going in and taking out the government.
Greenfield: Should they have?
Wolfowitz: I think so, yes.
[edit]
Wolfowitz: This is not a simple problem. The Rwanda case, I think, is striking because it at least it looks in hindsight to have been so simple to prevent something that was so horrible. But most of these cases are complicated ... In a way the Rwanda case is helpful for thinking about things but in some ways it's misleading because most cases are a little more difficult.
Wolfowitz openly argued that the world should have intervened in Rwanda, but them makes the strikingly disingenuous argument that Rwanda was somehow "simpler" than the current situation in Darfur.
Rwanda is only "simpler" because it is now over and hindsight allows us to see just how, where and why the world failed. But in 1994, with bodies filling the streets, Rwanda did not appear to be simple at all
U.S. Opposes Plan for U.N. Force in Rwanda
By PAUL LEWIS
12 May 1994
The New York Times
UNITED NATIONS, May 11 -- As rebel forces of the Rwanda Patriotic Front pressed their attack today against the capital, Kigali, the United States criticized a new United Nations plan to send some 5,500 soldiers into the heart of the Rwandan civil war to protect refugees and assist relief workers, saying it is more than the organization can handle.
[edit]
While not excluding any course of action, Ms. Albright said it remains unclear whether African countries are ready or able to send forces for such a dangerous and complicated mission at the epicenter of a raging civil war.
Ten years later, it now appears as if a few relatively simple measures backed by the necessary political will could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. But in 1994, the genocide appeared massively complex and that complexity was routinely cited as a justification for not intervening.
And Wolfowitz is making exactly the same justification for not intervening in Darfur today.
Were there feasible solutions to Rwanda? In hindsight, the answer is obviously "yes." Are there feasible solutions to Darfur? It is hard to say because right now it seems so complex, but there certainly are if the world powers can muster the will to address them.
But unfortunately, it is far more likely that ten years from now, when perhaps another one million Africans have needlessly died, we'll wonder why we did not act when "it looks in hindsight to have been so simple to prevent something that was so horrible."
Former Deputy Secretary of State Paul Wolfowitz was among the panelists and during the discussion, made the following points
Wolfowitz: One of the things that bears thinking about from the Rwanda experience, and everyone of these cases is different, and I think one ought to recognize that. But it seems to me that the thing that stuck me as unique about the Rwanda experience, on the one hand the sheer horror of it, with the exception of the Holocaust and even then at a sort of per day rate, this was probably the worst genocide ever. But secondly, and we'll never know this for sure because you never know the course that wasn't taken, but it was seem as though a relatively modest military action aimed at eliminating that regime could have ended the genocide and ended it rather quickly.
What strikes me and seems to me is true in Rwanda, is true in Bosnia, is true in World War II, is true in Cambodia, this kind of systematic, one-sided elimination of a population is not done spontaneously by another ethnic group, it's organized by a criminal gang and if that criminal gang had been eliminated in Rwanda the genocide would have ended.
But that comes to my last point which is, then it depends on how do you conceive of the peacekeeping operation and nobody proposed, that I know of, going in and taking out the government.
Greenfield: Should they have?
Wolfowitz: I think so, yes.
[edit]
Wolfowitz: This is not a simple problem. The Rwanda case, I think, is striking because it at least it looks in hindsight to have been so simple to prevent something that was so horrible. But most of these cases are complicated ... In a way the Rwanda case is helpful for thinking about things but in some ways it's misleading because most cases are a little more difficult.
Wolfowitz openly argued that the world should have intervened in Rwanda, but them makes the strikingly disingenuous argument that Rwanda was somehow "simpler" than the current situation in Darfur.
Rwanda is only "simpler" because it is now over and hindsight allows us to see just how, where and why the world failed. But in 1994, with bodies filling the streets, Rwanda did not appear to be simple at all
U.S. Opposes Plan for U.N. Force in Rwanda
By PAUL LEWIS
12 May 1994
The New York Times
UNITED NATIONS, May 11 -- As rebel forces of the Rwanda Patriotic Front pressed their attack today against the capital, Kigali, the United States criticized a new United Nations plan to send some 5,500 soldiers into the heart of the Rwandan civil war to protect refugees and assist relief workers, saying it is more than the organization can handle.
[edit]
While not excluding any course of action, Ms. Albright said it remains unclear whether African countries are ready or able to send forces for such a dangerous and complicated mission at the epicenter of a raging civil war.
Ten years later, it now appears as if a few relatively simple measures backed by the necessary political will could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. But in 1994, the genocide appeared massively complex and that complexity was routinely cited as a justification for not intervening.
And Wolfowitz is making exactly the same justification for not intervening in Darfur today.
Were there feasible solutions to Rwanda? In hindsight, the answer is obviously "yes." Are there feasible solutions to Darfur? It is hard to say because right now it seems so complex, but there certainly are if the world powers can muster the will to address them.
But unfortunately, it is far more likely that ten years from now, when perhaps another one million Africans have needlessly died, we'll wonder why we did not act when "it looks in hindsight to have been so simple to prevent something that was so horrible."
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Thus Saith the Lord : Evangelist A. A. Allen
I have finished scanning A.A. Allen's book: THUS SAITH THE LORD onto our website and it is now available for you to read at no charge. This book is extrenely scarce, in fact, we do not know anyone that has or knows of another copy. It consists of prophecies by Bro. AA Allen and others during the evangelist's ministry which lasted about 30 years ending in 1971 Many currently active ministries can trace their roots to Rev. Allen's ministry.
Paul Asa Allen's book "Growing Up Allen" is nearing completion & will soon be available. The youngest son of Evangelist Asa A. Allen & Lexie E. (Scriven) Allen, Paul has told his first-hand story of what it was like to grow up in the home of "God's Man of Faith & Power". If you would like a special signed copy at a pre-release price of only $9.95, e-mail Paul Allen paulasaallen@churchmagnets.com
Paul Asa Allen's book "Growing Up Allen" is nearing completion & will soon be available. The youngest son of Evangelist Asa A. Allen & Lexie E. (Scriven) Allen, Paul has told his first-hand story of what it was like to grow up in the home of "God's Man of Faith & Power". If you would like a special signed copy at a pre-release price of only $9.95, e-mail Paul Allen paulasaallen@churchmagnets.com
Friday, May 20, 2005
His story makers : Pete Greig
HISTORY, as you may recall from the infallible lips of your Sunday School teacher, is actually ‘His Story’. This means that, when we finally sit down in heaven for a news review on 2005, it’ll be fascinating to discover God’s editorial priorities.
I’m tempted to use the word historic about the Global Day of Prayer that took place on Pentecost Sunday. The event may not have troubled Reuters or caused Jeremy Paxman to sit up and sneer, but it was undoubtedly an extraordinary phenomenon: 200 million people in at least 170 nations joined together in prayer on a single day. Such an unprecedented symphony of intercession is surely His Story in the making?
However, massive spiritual operations such as the Global Day of Prayer invariably provoke big questions about the motivation and impact of so much outlay – particularly in retrospect. “Did it work?” we wonder secretly. When the world woke ‘the morning after’, was anything actually noticeably different?
I’m delighted to be able to say “Yes!” The Global Day of Prayer was undoubtedly ‘worth it’ and I’ll tell you why – but first a word of caution. In our consumer culture it is important that we do not fall into the trap of quantifying prayer. Christ’s parable of the pharisee and the tax collector reminds us that the quantity of words spoken in prayer never impresses God as much as the quality of heart.
According to the Bible, the prayers that make His Story are measured not in numbers but in faith, in perseverance (which is the fullness of faith), in brotherly unity and in simple obedience to His command. It is against such criteria that I consider the Global Day of Prayer a success. On Pentecost Sunday we witnessed a remarkable display of faith, of perseverance in prayer and of Christian unity across ethnic and denominational divides. The initiative did not begin in some American Board Room but rather in Africa.
Following the Day of Prayer, we are now being urged to embark upon 90 days of community transformations and a ‘compassionate Plan of Action’. In other words, 200 million people are being asked to become an answer to prayer. Jesus intercedes that we would make His Story in a myriad of practical details. If we’re looking for an ‘Amen’ to the Global Day of Prayer, if we’re wondering where His Story is going to be made in the wake of so much prayer, let’s divert our gaze from the television screen just long enough to take a long hard look in the mirror. Amen?
Pete Greig’s latest book The Vision & The Vow, is out now. You can find out more about the parliamentary prayer week and at www.24-7prayer.com
© 2005 Christian Herald
I’m tempted to use the word historic about the Global Day of Prayer that took place on Pentecost Sunday. The event may not have troubled Reuters or caused Jeremy Paxman to sit up and sneer, but it was undoubtedly an extraordinary phenomenon: 200 million people in at least 170 nations joined together in prayer on a single day. Such an unprecedented symphony of intercession is surely His Story in the making?
However, massive spiritual operations such as the Global Day of Prayer invariably provoke big questions about the motivation and impact of so much outlay – particularly in retrospect. “Did it work?” we wonder secretly. When the world woke ‘the morning after’, was anything actually noticeably different?
I’m delighted to be able to say “Yes!” The Global Day of Prayer was undoubtedly ‘worth it’ and I’ll tell you why – but first a word of caution. In our consumer culture it is important that we do not fall into the trap of quantifying prayer. Christ’s parable of the pharisee and the tax collector reminds us that the quantity of words spoken in prayer never impresses God as much as the quality of heart.
According to the Bible, the prayers that make His Story are measured not in numbers but in faith, in perseverance (which is the fullness of faith), in brotherly unity and in simple obedience to His command. It is against such criteria that I consider the Global Day of Prayer a success. On Pentecost Sunday we witnessed a remarkable display of faith, of perseverance in prayer and of Christian unity across ethnic and denominational divides. The initiative did not begin in some American Board Room but rather in Africa.
Following the Day of Prayer, we are now being urged to embark upon 90 days of community transformations and a ‘compassionate Plan of Action’. In other words, 200 million people are being asked to become an answer to prayer. Jesus intercedes that we would make His Story in a myriad of practical details. If we’re looking for an ‘Amen’ to the Global Day of Prayer, if we’re wondering where His Story is going to be made in the wake of so much prayer, let’s divert our gaze from the television screen just long enough to take a long hard look in the mirror. Amen?
Pete Greig’s latest book The Vision & The Vow, is out now. You can find out more about the parliamentary prayer week and at www.24-7prayer.com
© 2005 Christian Herald
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Delays and Complications
The genocide in Darfur began more than two years ago. Since then, more than 400,000 people have died and the international community has yet to take any concrete action toward stopping the violence or helping the nearly 2 million displaced return to their destroyed villages and resume semi-normal lives.
And the longer the world delays, the more complicated the situation seems to become.
Just last week, the UNHCR was forced to pull its staff out of four refugee camps in Chad after five of its workers were wounded in protests over food distribution. The same day, two refugees and two Chadian police officers were killed during a clash in another camp.
Also last week, two drivers for the World Food Program were killed and rebels abducted but later released 17 members of the African Union ceasefire monitoring force.
The UN reported that militia attacks have intensified in the last month and there are now reports that rebels in the East have amassed along the border with Eritrea, potentially creating a Darfur-like conflict there as well.
All the while, the world makes symbolic gestures of concern and assistance. The AU has decided to expand its force in Darfur but lacks the troops, money and logistical resources necessary to fully do so. Help from NATO has been requested but has not yet materialized. For domestic political reasons of its own, Canada recently pledged to send 100 troops to Darfur but has since backed off because of objections from Sudan. Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, Gabon and Eritrea jointly announced
their rejection of "any foreign intervention in the Darfur problem."
The crisis in Darfur is by no means simple and solutions are going to require serious thought and real political will. Unfortunately, Darfur has not yet been able to garner either. But the longer the world refuses to deal with this, the more complicated the situation is going to become.
And the longer the world delays, the more complicated the situation seems to become.
Just last week, the UNHCR was forced to pull its staff out of four refugee camps in Chad after five of its workers were wounded in protests over food distribution. The same day, two refugees and two Chadian police officers were killed during a clash in another camp.
Also last week, two drivers for the World Food Program were killed and rebels abducted but later released 17 members of the African Union ceasefire monitoring force.
The UN reported that militia attacks have intensified in the last month and there are now reports that rebels in the East have amassed along the border with Eritrea, potentially creating a Darfur-like conflict there as well.
All the while, the world makes symbolic gestures of concern and assistance. The AU has decided to expand its force in Darfur but lacks the troops, money and logistical resources necessary to fully do so. Help from NATO has been requested but has not yet materialized. For domestic political reasons of its own, Canada recently pledged to send 100 troops to Darfur but has since backed off because of objections from Sudan. Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, Gabon and Eritrea jointly announced
their rejection of "any foreign intervention in the Darfur problem."
The crisis in Darfur is by no means simple and solutions are going to require serious thought and real political will. Unfortunately, Darfur has not yet been able to garner either. But the longer the world refuses to deal with this, the more complicated the situation is going to become.
Report from Hayfork, CA
Report from the pastor's wife at Solid Rock Hayfork after I left.
Like I have been saying it is all about Him when we finally learn
how to get out of the way.
God Bless
Joe Cicchino
vision of love
May 16 2005
Joe Cicchino left Hayfork last Monday morning but we have continued
to have the meetings. During his time with us there were 25
salvations, physical and emotional healings and a number of
prodigals who returned to the Lord, including an ordained Free
Methodist pastor. This pastor left the church twenty five years ago
due to hurts and a painful situation. He hadn't been in a church for
over twenty years. Due to the undeniable life changes in the mother
of the five children who was set free from drugs and alcohol, he
came to check things out. God touched him mightily and he gave his
testimony in church on Mother's Day, along with a number of other
individuals who spoke about what God had done for them. This man
came back every night last week, even after working hard all day in
the woods doing logging. He told us about a man he gave a ride to
last week that had done work for him in the woods last year. This
man had fell a tree on the ministers truck, doing $7,500 worth of
damage. The minister told the man that God had been doing a work in
him lately and that he could not in good conscience not forgive this
man the debt he owed him after all that God had forgiven him for. He
told him that his debt was canceled and he owed him nothing. Praise
God!!
The work is continuing here in Hayfork. We are still meeting
every night at 6:30pm and God's presence continues to be in our
midst. Lives are still being transformed and healed. We felt a
little awkward at first, but things are starting to flow much
smoother now. Some of the saints who where touched and healed during
the time we had Joe here are stepping out and ministering
powerfully. It is such a joy to see their expressions when God moves
through them and uses them. The worship is deep and the teaching
simple but powerful because of the Spirit's presence. People are
continuing to grow and a few new ones are coming in. We are keeping
the freedom that God opened up to us, and people are loving it. It
is not unusual to be at the service until 10:00 at night. Bodies are
layed out all over the floor and ministry of different varieties are
taking place throughout the building. We are seeing God move us into
a church service that is more like what you read about in the Bible.
Like in Acts or in Corinthians. It really works!!!
Pray for us as we continue to step out in what God has given us.
We pray the healing room will continue to grow in Gods presence and
anointing.
Trish Wright
Joseph Cicchino
pastorjoevol@earthlink.net
Like I have been saying it is all about Him when we finally learn
how to get out of the way.
God Bless
Joe Cicchino
vision of love
May 16 2005
Joe Cicchino left Hayfork last Monday morning but we have continued
to have the meetings. During his time with us there were 25
salvations, physical and emotional healings and a number of
prodigals who returned to the Lord, including an ordained Free
Methodist pastor. This pastor left the church twenty five years ago
due to hurts and a painful situation. He hadn't been in a church for
over twenty years. Due to the undeniable life changes in the mother
of the five children who was set free from drugs and alcohol, he
came to check things out. God touched him mightily and he gave his
testimony in church on Mother's Day, along with a number of other
individuals who spoke about what God had done for them. This man
came back every night last week, even after working hard all day in
the woods doing logging. He told us about a man he gave a ride to
last week that had done work for him in the woods last year. This
man had fell a tree on the ministers truck, doing $7,500 worth of
damage. The minister told the man that God had been doing a work in
him lately and that he could not in good conscience not forgive this
man the debt he owed him after all that God had forgiven him for. He
told him that his debt was canceled and he owed him nothing. Praise
God!!
The work is continuing here in Hayfork. We are still meeting
every night at 6:30pm and God's presence continues to be in our
midst. Lives are still being transformed and healed. We felt a
little awkward at first, but things are starting to flow much
smoother now. Some of the saints who where touched and healed during
the time we had Joe here are stepping out and ministering
powerfully. It is such a joy to see their expressions when God moves
through them and uses them. The worship is deep and the teaching
simple but powerful because of the Spirit's presence. People are
continuing to grow and a few new ones are coming in. We are keeping
the freedom that God opened up to us, and people are loving it. It
is not unusual to be at the service until 10:00 at night. Bodies are
layed out all over the floor and ministry of different varieties are
taking place throughout the building. We are seeing God move us into
a church service that is more like what you read about in the Bible.
Like in Acts or in Corinthians. It really works!!!
Pray for us as we continue to step out in what God has given us.
We pray the healing room will continue to grow in Gods presence and
anointing.
Trish Wright
Joseph Cicchino
pastorjoevol@earthlink.net
Friday, May 13, 2005
Supreme Court "No Prayer Zone" Lifted for National Day of Prayer
Contact: Dane Rose of Faith and Action, 202-546-8329 extension 106, danerose@faithandaction.org
WASHINGTON, May 5 /Christian Wire Service/ -- In years past, anyone who dared to bow his or her head in prayer in or around the United States Supreme Court in Washington, DC, would be ordered to cease immediately or suffer arrest. But after the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced Shank) of Faith and Action in the Nation's Capital teamed up with the Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition to challenge the High Court's "No Prayer Zone" things began to change.
"Rev. Mahoney was arrested twice in the past and over years countless others had been threatened with prosecution for simply praying to God while on the Court's property," said Mr. Schenck. "But after our organizations joined in filing a legal complaint with the justices and recruited thousands of petitions that were sent to the Court, that policy seems to have changed."
The Supreme Court is the odd guy out when it comes to ignoring the annual National Day of Prayer. Special ceremonies are held each year at the White House and in the Congress, but no recognition is given by the Supreme Court to the need for the country to pray.
"It is supremely ironic that the Supreme Court does not recognize the National Day of Prayer," said Mr. Mahoney. "After all, the justices begin every one of their sessions with the declaration, 'God save the United States and this honorable court."
For the past three years the Reverends Schenck and Mahoney have been allowed to conduct a brief prayer service on the sprawling marble plaza of the Court. This year they read a prayer from the Book of Daniel, as well as one penned by the first chief justice of the United States, John Jay, that says, "Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for his manifold and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by his beloved son." They ended their observance by praying the Lord's Prayer and singing a hymn.
"This is an important breakthrough," said Mr. Schenck. "Until these last three years, no one was safe talking to God on the property of the Supreme Court, but as the old adage says, 'God is still on His throne and prayer changes things!'"
Mr. Schenck and Mr. Mahoney are available for further comment at 202-546-8329, extension 106.
WASHINGTON, May 5 /Christian Wire Service/ -- In years past, anyone who dared to bow his or her head in prayer in or around the United States Supreme Court in Washington, DC, would be ordered to cease immediately or suffer arrest. But after the Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced Shank) of Faith and Action in the Nation's Capital teamed up with the Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition to challenge the High Court's "No Prayer Zone" things began to change.
"Rev. Mahoney was arrested twice in the past and over years countless others had been threatened with prosecution for simply praying to God while on the Court's property," said Mr. Schenck. "But after our organizations joined in filing a legal complaint with the justices and recruited thousands of petitions that were sent to the Court, that policy seems to have changed."
The Supreme Court is the odd guy out when it comes to ignoring the annual National Day of Prayer. Special ceremonies are held each year at the White House and in the Congress, but no recognition is given by the Supreme Court to the need for the country to pray.
"It is supremely ironic that the Supreme Court does not recognize the National Day of Prayer," said Mr. Mahoney. "After all, the justices begin every one of their sessions with the declaration, 'God save the United States and this honorable court."
For the past three years the Reverends Schenck and Mahoney have been allowed to conduct a brief prayer service on the sprawling marble plaza of the Court. This year they read a prayer from the Book of Daniel, as well as one penned by the first chief justice of the United States, John Jay, that says, "Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for his manifold and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by his beloved son." They ended their observance by praying the Lord's Prayer and singing a hymn.
"This is an important breakthrough," said Mr. Schenck. "Until these last three years, no one was safe talking to God on the property of the Supreme Court, but as the old adage says, 'God is still on His throne and prayer changes things!'"
Mr. Schenck and Mr. Mahoney are available for further comment at 202-546-8329, extension 106.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The Attention it Deserves
The Coalition for Darfur has two goals: to get bloggers writing about Darfur and to raise money for worthy organizations providing life-saving assistance to the people of Darfur.
So far, we are not doing particularly well on either count.
Outside of Instapundit, very few of the "big blogs" seem to be paying much attention to Darfur, which is why it was nice to see Kevin Drum finally address the issue a few days ago.
In his post on the topic, Drum made an important point about the genocide
But hope is not a plan, and right now it strikes me that the only realistic option for stopping the genocide is to be prepared for a full-scale invasion and long-term occupation of Sudan. I could probably be talked into that if someone presented a serious military plan showing where the troops would come from and how they'd get there, but I haven't seen it yet.
It is probably an oversimplification to say that full-scale invasion and occupation of Sudan is the "only realistic option" for dealing with the genocide, but the key point to be understood here is that nobody knows what it will take to stop this because almost nobody is even thinking about it.
Lt. General Romeo Dallaire, the head of the failed UN mission to Rwanda, estimates that it would take 44,000 troops to stop the violence and Brian Steidle, a former Marine who spent six months serving with the AU mission in Darfur, estimates that it will take anywhere from 25,000 - 50,000. There is also talk of imposing a no-fly zone and an arms embargo and expanding the AU mandate to allow it to protect civilians. But after more than 2 years of violence, these things still remain little more than talk.
As far as can be determined, nobody (not the US, the EU, NATO, or the UN) has even seriously contemplated what sort of military action might be necessary in order to stop the genocide. Foreign policy journals and think tanks have likewise been silent on the issue. The only people who appear to be seriously thinking about what needs to be done in Darfur are journalists like Bradford Plumer and activists like Eric Reeves.
For two years, rhetorically pressuring Sudan to disarm and reign in the Janjaweed and stop the genocide has not worked. Many hoped that the Security Council's referral of the crimes in Darfur to the International Criminal Court might force Khartoum to back down, but unfortunately that has not happened. If anything, the ICC referral may have made the situation on the ground worse - and open discussion of possible military intervention might make things worse still. It is impossible to say.
Nobody wants a large-scale invasion of Sudan, but more importantly, nobody wants to even think that such an invasion might be necessary and how it will need to be carried out. It is a sign of just how little serious concern the genocide in Darfur is generating that those who might theoretically be called upon in the future to intervene do not appear to even have begun examining the feasibility of such an intervention. Darfur might not require military intervention, but it certainly requires more than the few small steps currently being contemplated. And until those in power begin to give the genocide the attention and serious thought it deserves, there is little reason to believe that there will soon be an end to the violence.
This genocide will end in one of two ways: either the international community will begin to take its responsibility to protect the people of Darfur seriously and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure their survival or it will end when the Africans in Darfur have been completely eliminated.
The choice is ours.
So far, we are not doing particularly well on either count.
Outside of Instapundit, very few of the "big blogs" seem to be paying much attention to Darfur, which is why it was nice to see Kevin Drum finally address the issue a few days ago.
In his post on the topic, Drum made an important point about the genocide
But hope is not a plan, and right now it strikes me that the only realistic option for stopping the genocide is to be prepared for a full-scale invasion and long-term occupation of Sudan. I could probably be talked into that if someone presented a serious military plan showing where the troops would come from and how they'd get there, but I haven't seen it yet.
It is probably an oversimplification to say that full-scale invasion and occupation of Sudan is the "only realistic option" for dealing with the genocide, but the key point to be understood here is that nobody knows what it will take to stop this because almost nobody is even thinking about it.
Lt. General Romeo Dallaire, the head of the failed UN mission to Rwanda, estimates that it would take 44,000 troops to stop the violence and Brian Steidle, a former Marine who spent six months serving with the AU mission in Darfur, estimates that it will take anywhere from 25,000 - 50,000. There is also talk of imposing a no-fly zone and an arms embargo and expanding the AU mandate to allow it to protect civilians. But after more than 2 years of violence, these things still remain little more than talk.
As far as can be determined, nobody (not the US, the EU, NATO, or the UN) has even seriously contemplated what sort of military action might be necessary in order to stop the genocide. Foreign policy journals and think tanks have likewise been silent on the issue. The only people who appear to be seriously thinking about what needs to be done in Darfur are journalists like Bradford Plumer and activists like Eric Reeves.
For two years, rhetorically pressuring Sudan to disarm and reign in the Janjaweed and stop the genocide has not worked. Many hoped that the Security Council's referral of the crimes in Darfur to the International Criminal Court might force Khartoum to back down, but unfortunately that has not happened. If anything, the ICC referral may have made the situation on the ground worse - and open discussion of possible military intervention might make things worse still. It is impossible to say.
Nobody wants a large-scale invasion of Sudan, but more importantly, nobody wants to even think that such an invasion might be necessary and how it will need to be carried out. It is a sign of just how little serious concern the genocide in Darfur is generating that those who might theoretically be called upon in the future to intervene do not appear to even have begun examining the feasibility of such an intervention. Darfur might not require military intervention, but it certainly requires more than the few small steps currently being contemplated. And until those in power begin to give the genocide the attention and serious thought it deserves, there is little reason to believe that there will soon be an end to the violence.
This genocide will end in one of two ways: either the international community will begin to take its responsibility to protect the people of Darfur seriously and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure their survival or it will end when the Africans in Darfur have been completely eliminated.
The choice is ours.
Friday, May 06, 2005
The more that we let go, the more we know that he loves us-
The more that we look at ourselves and not at others, the more that
we realize that God loves us even more. The closer that we come to
Him, the more that we wants us to obey Him. It is all about
obedience to who He is, and to who we are in Him. The scriptures
tell you that you have died with Him. So why do we still hold on to
our past and keep on asking Him to take it from us. My past died
with Jesus the day that He died on the cross, but it didn't become
reality until I accepted Jesus into my heart and He forgave me of
all my sins and pain from my past. As He forgave me I had to
forgive others who hurts me with their words and actions. Why
should I carry the guilt and pain of others. Jesus said that I am
free to serve Him with my whole heart, my whole mind, my whole body
and my whole soul. How could I do that if I'm still carrying the
guilt and shame that others had put on me. When we forgive with our
heart, we are free indeed.
One young lady who was born again recently and has been coming to
church every day, called me and asked if she could be baptized again
after just being baptized. I knew that she still had some issues
that she didn't let go of yet and I came to the church and said, why
do you want to be baptized again. She said I want to be cleansed
more. I said that is not the reason, why? She said Jesus will
cleanse me more and I stayed last night until the craving for
alcohol and men left me. Then I said you were hurt by someone who
you trusted when you were young and you need to forgive. She said I
don't remember and I held her hands and said yes you do. Well she
said it was my mother, she sold me when I was small to different men
for drugs and all of them watched and so did she while they used me.
Why did this happen, she started to and say why, why, why. After a
long time she forgave her mother with her heart and was totally set
free and felt the love of Jesus all over her. She is now a totally
different person and can talk about what happened to her. All she
wants to do is help others who were hurt like she was. After the
encounter that she had with Jesus on the floor, she now can say I
don't feel the hurt of my past anymore because it is not a part of
me now.
It is all about Jesus and not about us. We can do and say anything
we want, but when we let go then He can be who He is in our lives.
While sitting here writing this three women came into pastor Keith
Wrights office where I am typing this letter. One I have met
before, the other two I never met before. One of the women daughter
was killed in a car accident 6 months ago. She has been broken ever
since and the Lord showed me that she has been blaming herself ever
since. I told her some things that the Lord showed me about her
life, then I said do you want to accept the Lord Jesus into your
heart, and she said yes. I then layed hands on her and she felt the
peace of the Lord all over her and she was able to let go of the
pain of her daughter as she forgave herself. She then was able to
talk openly and be free for the first time. These are the miracles
of Christ when we let Him be who He is in us. Then the other one
who I never met also had an encounter with God about her life and
marriage and she walked out knowing Christ better then she ever did
before. God is so good to us when we let Him be who He is in us.
God Bless
Joe Cicchino
PS I will be leaving Hayfork very shortly and the meetings every
night will still be going on with Pastor Keith and Trish Wright at
Solid Rock church in Hayfork. The Lord has told me it is time to
turn it over to them and to go to Bremerton Washington. Full Gospel
church with pastor Dale Johnson. He has been patiently waiting for
God to release me from here. The presence and the power of God has
been getting stronger and stronger daily at Solid Rock, but it is
not about me it is about Him. Amen!!!
Joseph Cicchino
pastorjoevol@earthlink.net
we realize that God loves us even more. The closer that we come to
Him, the more that we wants us to obey Him. It is all about
obedience to who He is, and to who we are in Him. The scriptures
tell you that you have died with Him. So why do we still hold on to
our past and keep on asking Him to take it from us. My past died
with Jesus the day that He died on the cross, but it didn't become
reality until I accepted Jesus into my heart and He forgave me of
all my sins and pain from my past. As He forgave me I had to
forgive others who hurts me with their words and actions. Why
should I carry the guilt and pain of others. Jesus said that I am
free to serve Him with my whole heart, my whole mind, my whole body
and my whole soul. How could I do that if I'm still carrying the
guilt and shame that others had put on me. When we forgive with our
heart, we are free indeed.
One young lady who was born again recently and has been coming to
church every day, called me and asked if she could be baptized again
after just being baptized. I knew that she still had some issues
that she didn't let go of yet and I came to the church and said, why
do you want to be baptized again. She said I want to be cleansed
more. I said that is not the reason, why? She said Jesus will
cleanse me more and I stayed last night until the craving for
alcohol and men left me. Then I said you were hurt by someone who
you trusted when you were young and you need to forgive. She said I
don't remember and I held her hands and said yes you do. Well she
said it was my mother, she sold me when I was small to different men
for drugs and all of them watched and so did she while they used me.
Why did this happen, she started to and say why, why, why. After a
long time she forgave her mother with her heart and was totally set
free and felt the love of Jesus all over her. She is now a totally
different person and can talk about what happened to her. All she
wants to do is help others who were hurt like she was. After the
encounter that she had with Jesus on the floor, she now can say I
don't feel the hurt of my past anymore because it is not a part of
me now.
It is all about Jesus and not about us. We can do and say anything
we want, but when we let go then He can be who He is in our lives.
While sitting here writing this three women came into pastor Keith
Wrights office where I am typing this letter. One I have met
before, the other two I never met before. One of the women daughter
was killed in a car accident 6 months ago. She has been broken ever
since and the Lord showed me that she has been blaming herself ever
since. I told her some things that the Lord showed me about her
life, then I said do you want to accept the Lord Jesus into your
heart, and she said yes. I then layed hands on her and she felt the
peace of the Lord all over her and she was able to let go of the
pain of her daughter as she forgave herself. She then was able to
talk openly and be free for the first time. These are the miracles
of Christ when we let Him be who He is in us. Then the other one
who I never met also had an encounter with God about her life and
marriage and she walked out knowing Christ better then she ever did
before. God is so good to us when we let Him be who He is in us.
God Bless
Joe Cicchino
PS I will be leaving Hayfork very shortly and the meetings every
night will still be going on with Pastor Keith and Trish Wright at
Solid Rock church in Hayfork. The Lord has told me it is time to
turn it over to them and to go to Bremerton Washington. Full Gospel
church with pastor Dale Johnson. He has been patiently waiting for
God to release me from here. The presence and the power of God has
been getting stronger and stronger daily at Solid Rock, but it is
not about me it is about Him. Amen!!!
Joseph Cicchino
pastorjoevol@earthlink.net
