Actions Speak Louder than Words in Darfur
Charles J. Brown
The Washington Examiner
January 30, 2006

Seventeen months after then-Secretary of State Colin Powell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the government of Sudan was responsible for committing genocide in Darfur, his words appear to have lacked meaning. The genocide continues unabated and none of those with the capacity to respond - a list that includes not only the U.S., but also the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union - have done so.

Although President Bush clearly cannot be held responsible for the inaction of the rest of the world, he can be held to account for failing to lead. But the president's State of the Union address tomorrow evening provides him the perfect forum to demonstrate America's commitment to ending the genocide in Darfur.

Darfur lies at the nexus of good policy and politics. The president can provide clear moral and global leadership and prove that his administration's words mean something. But if doing the right thing is not enough, then the president also should consider the political opportunity Darfur offers. Since winning re-election, he has struggled to find his footing in the face of division over his policies in Iraq, criticism over his administration's handling of Katrina and growing controversies over his domestic security policies.

In light of these challenges, the president would be wise to find a cause that can unite the country. Darfur may provide the opportunity. Both his base - most notably evangelical Christians - and those more likely to support Democrats - including religious liberals and blacks - support intervention in Darfur. Taking action would demonstrate Bush's ability to rise above partisanship and promote a real solution to a pressing global problem.

During the State of the Union, President Bush should outline a four-step plan to end the genocide.

First, Bush must call the killings "genocide." Bush's use of the "G-word" would reverberate in the halls of governments around the world and in Sudan itself. It will leave no doubt in the minds of those carrying out the atrocities that the United States stands against them. More importantly, it will send a signal to the innocent people of Darfur that our country stands with them.

Second, Bush should use his speech to call for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, at which he should propose a plan of action for Darfur. He should make it clear that he will marshal his administration to engage with leaders of those countries able to help bring an end to crisis, including the AU, EU, Russia, China and the Muslim world.

Third, the president should describe to the American people the key components of his U.N. Security Council plan, which should include strengthening the existing African Union force and creating a U.N. peacekeeping mission with a robust mandate. The president should stress that a U.N. force with an African core, supplemented by NATO contributions, would be the most meaningful deterrent to atrocities in Sudan. He should also pledge significant U.S. support for the AU force and ensure Congress funds it.

Fourth, Bush should commit to work with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to appoint a special U.N. envoy who will be charged with coordinating a global effort to end the violence. This individual should be empowered to meet with all parties, from tribal leaders in Darfur to the heads of important governments.

This year's State of the Union represents, for all intents and purposes, Bush's last opportunity to chart a new vision for foreign relations. He can choose to continue to pursue the sharply partisan tone of his recent statements on Iraq or he can move beyond Washington's politics as usual to choose a new course, one that brings an end to the tragedy in Sudan - one that will require us to work closely with international institutions, regional allies and strategic partners. For in the end, history will judge this president not only by what he has done in Iraq, but also by what he has failed to do in Darfur.

Charles J. Brown is the president and CEO of Citizens for Global Solutions.

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