It’s about time
Most people seem to forget that Sudan has strong connections with Al’Qaida and Osama bin Laden, but yesterday a U.S. federal judge ordered Sudan to pay $7.96 million to the families of 17 sailors killed in the 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole. This follows the ruling back in March that found the Sudanese government partly responsible for the attacks. Partly? Let’s see. The support the Sudanese government has given Osama bin Laden includes allowing the group to establish training bases, run businesses and use Sudanese diplomatic passports to carry explosives. Hell, during the trial, the lawyers representating the Sudanese government “did not offer opening statements or closing arguments or question any witnesses.” At this point, I think the link is pretty solid despite the Sudanese government’s refusal of any connection to the terrorist organization. This is among the recent parade of denials the Sudanese government is putting forward. According to The Economist, President Bashir is denying any violence in Darfur at the moment.
In fact most of Sudan’s western region is “secure and enjoying real peace”, he [Bashir] announced after a rare visit to Darfur last weekend. “People are living normal lives”, he said.
You know, President Bashir, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. This quote comes amidst energized efforts by the new British and French administrations to get something done about the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.