Dependent on Strangers

Forever dependent on others

These people are chased out of their homes with nothing. Some do not even have their family to go with them. If it is a women that is running for her life to a displacement camp with no family, money, or possessions, she will have to rely fully on generous strangers to help her. Women in Darfur have no means to make money; no way to take care of themselves or their children. They can not even make a home for their children without asking for help from others.

Janjaweed

Infants: living reminders of war

These children are born of rape and called "janjaweed" which means "devil on horse back". The children born in this way and their mothers will have no future. The women who were raped will probably never be able to marry and with no husband they will never have anything. Except their child; which will forever remind them of this horrible war. Some of the rape victims are as young as ten years old. These poor girls have nothing left to look forward to, they will never be able to live a "normal" life.

Obama's At-Home Struggle Forces Darfur Avoidance.

President's Promises Regarding Darfur Not Coming to Fruition

In previous articles that I posted, I commented on how so many across the globe have been angered by the U.S.'s lack of involvement in Darfur. The article above, however, was written today (April 20, 2010) pertaining to the current frustration of the American people themselves toward President Obama. During his campaign, Obama promised to focus more on the plight of the Sudanese, but he has yet to follow through on these promises, angering many American activists. Though many realize that the President has extremely pressing national issues in regard to the economy and health care reform, it was the fact that he seemed to truly care about what was happening in Darfur and other helpless places that drew so many to vote for him and now he has not shown much interest. Though he acknowledged the recent election there, the American people do not seem to be satisfied with his involvement in attempting to rectify the civil war and government.

Truth in the Funny

When I came across this cartoon, I found it very poignant and affective. The lack of effort from America (as opposed to its massive focus on places like Iraq) has angered many in Sudan and around the world. We as a society must question why the U.S. has chosen to invade countries like Iraq for so many years without solid explanation while the genocide in Sudan rages on with little to no help.

To Invade or Not to Invade?

This photo, released by the UN, displays a group of Sudanese people using a sign to display their frustration with "international forces" (more than likely the U.S. and other powerful countries). It is apparent that they are not satisfied with the lack help they have been receiving, however the leaders of Sudan continue refuse most of the help of most outside sources. With such a savage atmosphere, it is surely difficult to imagine what attempt could be made to remedy this civil war. I surely hope that the United States somehow turns their focus to this country in such desperate need.

Election: Progressive or Dangerous?

The Upcoming Election in Darfur Ignites Hope, Anxiety.

It is truly tragic that the people of Darfur simply cannot be wholly happy or optimistic about something as seemingly simple as voting in an election. This article discusses the double edged sword that the first election in decades has brought about in Darfur, Sudan; many are elated that they are able to voice their opinion in any way, while others know that despite this advancement, the action will more than likely bring about more trouble and inevitable debate. Despite the worry about corruption within the politics, it will be interesting to see the results of these elections.

A HELPING HAND

A helping hand
This is a great story! The children in Darfur are given a chance for education, able to talk to people that can hopefully help them, and can just be children and play with other children. This chance at something could help get their minds off of the war and all their immense losses for a little while and give them an opportunity to experience some semblance of normalcy in their lives.

CHILDREN LIVING IN FEAR

Children living in fear

These children have no hope of ever knowing a "normal" childhood, or anything even remotely close to what is considered normal. The children of Darfur can not even play together with out a safe area. This is most likely the worst way to grow up. I know I have said this before, but how will these children ever be able to live productive lives as adults?

Sudan Tribune article

This is a photo I found on flickr...it was not part of the article.

http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article34677

This is an article from the Sudan Tribune from today, April 7, 2010. This is one piece of what it says in it, "Mutilating victims, including hacking off noses and lips, is one of their trademark calling cards.Boys are taken to become fighters, girls as sex slaves for the commanders." These kids really are not given a single chance to try and ever be normal citizens. They are being forced to do things that are unimaginable to grown adults. I realize that war affects lots of people all the time, but children are the biggest victims. They did nothing to ignite the fury that spread to create the war and they can do nothing to stop it.

Slide show--children of Darfur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA037tFpgbg&feature=youtube_gdata

This is a slide show of pictures that children involved it the Genocide in Darfur drew. This is what they see; what they are growing up with as their everyday life. How will these children be able to be productive in their societies? How will they know how to live a normal life with their children, when that time comes? All I could think of when I watched this was, "thank god my kids are safe and I know they will eat every day and wake up to see me in the morning".